LED lighting methods and apparatus

ABSTRACT

Methods and apparatus for implementing a control apparatus for a light fixture for externally controlling the current to the LED light emitter of a landscape LED light fixture. In an exemplary embodiment a control apparatus for controlling current to an LED light source in a landscape lighting device includes an LED driver, a user control with a control setting indicator, and a driver housing including setting indicators.

RELATED APPLICATION

The present application is a continuation of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 15/001,229, filed on Jan. 19, 2016, which claims the benefit ofthe filing date of U.S. Provisional Applications Ser. No. 62/267,899filed on Dec. 15, 2015, Ser. No. 62/269,751 filed on Dec. 18, 2015, Ser.No. 62/270,517 filed on Dec. 21, 2015, and Ser. No. 62/280,114 filed onJan. 18, 2016 each of which is hereby expressly incorporated byreference in its entirety.

FIELD

The present application relates to LED (Light Emitting Diode) lightingmethods and apparatus, and, more particularly, with regard to LEDlighting methods and apparatus which are well suited for exteriorlighting applications.

BACKGROUND

Exterior lighting often involves illuminating different areas of anoutdoor environment with different amounts of light, with lights ofdifferent colors and/or with lights that have beams of different widths.Often spotlights are used to illuminate particular features or elementsof the outdoor environment.

To support a wide range of lighting applications lighting installerscurrently carry or use a wide variety of different types of lights. Evenfor a given type of light to support different angles, amounts of lightoutput and/or different colors, an installer may need to disassemble oneor more light fixtures in a way that may compromise the integrity of thefixtures and replace one or more components such as lamps or colorfilters, to configure a fixture as desired. Such field operations canresult in dirt or water being introduced into the fixture affecting bulblife or the overall reliability of the fixture as exposure of electricalelements to water and dirt may result in rapid corrosion.

In view of the above it should be appreciated that there is a need formethods and/or apparatus which can support a wide variety of lightingconfigurations. It would be desirable if the supported lightingconfigurations included one or more of different beam angles, amount oflight output, color of light output and/or direction of light output.Furthermore it would be desirable if changes in one or more of thesecharacteristics could be made by an installer in the Field withoutcompromising the water tight integrity of a light fixture and/or withoutthe need for specialized or expensive tools.

SUMMARY

Methods and apparatus for implementing a control apparatus for a lightfixture for externally controlling the current to the LED light emitterof a landscape LED light fixture. In an exemplary embodiment a controlapparatus for controlling current to an LED light source in a landscapelighting device includes an LED driver, a user control with a controlsetting indicator, and a driver housing including setting indicators.The alignment of the control setting indicator on the user control withone of the setting indicators on the driver housing indicating to whichof a plurality of user selectable settings the LED driver is set. Acontrol circuit of the control apparatus being configured to control anLED light source to output light in an amount depending on a userselectable setting on the user selectable control.

While various features and elements are described in this summary allfeatures and elements are not necessary or required for all embodimentsof the invention.

In one particular exemplary embodiment a control apparatus forcontrolling current to an LED light source in a landscape lightingdevice includes an LED driver, a user control with a control settingindicator, and a driver housing including setting indicators, alignmentof the control setting indicator on the user control with one of thesetting indicators indicating which of a plurality of user selectableSettings the LED driver is set. In some embodiments, the LED driver ofthe control apparatus includes a control circuit configured to controlan LED light source to output light in an amount depending on a userselectable setting on the user selectable control. The control circuitincluding: i) a current regulator for controlling the amount of currentpassing through the LED light source and a dimming control circuit. Thedimming control circuit including a potentiometer. In some embodiments,the user control of the control apparatus is a dimming control knob incontact with a movable portion of the potentiometer, the movable portionchanging resistance of a portion of the dimming control circuit whenmoved.

In some embodiments, the driver housing of the control apparatusincludes visible wattage markings adjacent corresponding settingindicators. In some embodiments, the driver housing of the controlapparatus further includes a visible apparent power marking in closeproximity to the wattage marking adjacent the setting indicator to whichthe apparent power marking and associated wattage marking correspond. Insome embodiments, the driver housing of the control apparatus furtherincludes a visible MR16 equivalent wattage marking in close proximity tothe wattage marking adjacent the setting indicator to which the apparentpower marking and associated wattage marking correspond. In someembodiments, light brightness output setting markings are included onthe driving housing. In some embodiments, the control apparatus is usedin a landscape LED spot light fixture. In some embodiments, the controlapparatus is used in a landscape LED floodlight fixture. In someembodiments, the control apparatus is used in a landscape LED ingroundlight fixture.

Numerous additional features, benefits and embodiments are discussed inthe detailed description which follows.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 is a drawing illustrating various features of an exemplaryembodiment of a LED landscape spotlight.

FIG. 2 is a drawing of a side view of the LED landscape spotlight ofFIG. 1 illustrating various features of the exemplary embodiment of theLED landscape spotlight.

FIG. 3 is a drawing of a front view of the LED landscape spotlight ofFIG. 1 illustrating various features of the exemplary embodiment of theLED landscape spotlight.

FIG. 4 is a drawing of a bottom view of the LED landscape spotlight ofFIG. 1 illustrating various features of the exemplary embodiment of theLED landscape spotlight.

FIG. 5 is a drawing illustrating an exploded view of the exemplary LEDlandscape spotlight of FIG. 1 showing various features and components ofthe exemplary embodiment of the LED landscape spotlight.

FIG. 6A is a drawing illustrating an exploded view of the upper assemblyof the exemplary LED landscape spotlight of FIG. 1.

FIG. 6B is a drawing illustrating an exploded view of the lower assemblyof an exemplary LED landscape lighting fixture.

FIG. 6C is a drawing illustrating another exemplary embodiment of adriver housing for a LED landscape lighting fixture.

FIG. 6D is a drawing illustrating another exemplary embodiment of adriver housing for a LED landscape lighting fixture.

FIG. 7 illustrates various features of an exemplary embodiment of a LEDlandscape spotlight beam changing mechanism.

FIG. 8 illustrates additional features of the exemplary embodiment ofthe LED landscape spotlight beam changing mechanism shown in FIG. 7.

FIG. 9 illustrates additional features of the exemplary embodiment ofthe LED landscape spotlight beam changing mechanism shown in FIG. 7.

FIG. 10A illustrates features of the exemplary embodiment of the LEDlandscape spotlight beam changing mechanism shown in FIGS. 7, 8 and 9configured to provide a light beam angle output of 10 degrees.

FIG. 10B illustrates features of the exemplary embodiment of the LEDlandscape spotlight beam changing mechanism shown in FIGS. 7, 8 and 9configured to provide a light beam angle output of 60 degrees.

FIG. 11A illustrates features of another exemplary embodiment of the LEDlandscape spotlight beam changing mechanism configured to provide alight beam output of 10 degrees.

FIG. 11B illustrates features of the exemplary embodiment of the LEDlandscape spotlight beam changing mechanism shown in FIG. 11A configuredto provide a light beam angle output of 60 degrees.

FIG. 12 illustrates various features of an exemplary embodiment of a LEDlandscape flood light.

FIG. 13 is a drawing of a side view of the LED landscape flood light ofFIG. 12 illustrating various features of the exemplary embodiment of theLED landscape flood light.

FIG. 14 is a drawing of a front view of the LED landscape flood light ofFIG. 12 illustrating various features of the exemplary embodiment of theLED landscape flood light.

FIG. 15 is a drawing of a bottom view of the LED landscape flood lightof FIG. 12 illustrating various features of the exemplary embodiment ofthe LED landscape flood light.

FIG. 16 is a drawing illustrating an exploded view of the exemplary LEDlandscape flood light of FIG. 12 showing various features and componentsof the exemplary embodiment of the LED landscape flood light.

FIG. 17 is a drawing illustrating an exploded view of the upper assemblyof the exemplary LED landscape flood light of FIG. 12.

FIG. 18 is a drawing illustrating an exemplary embodiment of a landscapeflood light with an asymmetric reflector.

FIG. 19 is a drawing illustrating an asymmetrical light distributionplot chart for the exemplary flood light with an asymmetric reflector ofFIG. 18.

FIG. 20 is a drawing illustrating various features of an exemplaryembodiment of a LED landscape inground light fixture.

FIG. 21 is a drawing of a top view of the LED landscape inground lightfixture of FIG. 20 illustrating various features of the exemplaryembodiment of the LED landscape inground light fixture.

FIG. 22 is a drawing of a side view of the LED landscape inground lightfixture of FIG. 20 illustrating various features of the exemplaryembodiment of the LED landscape inground light fixture.

FIG. 23 is a drawing illustrating an exploded view of the exemplaryembodiment of the LED landscape inground light fixture of FIG. 20showing various features and components of the LED landscape ingroundlight fixture.

FIG. 24 illustrates various features of an exemplary embodiment of anLED landscape inground light beam changing mechanism.

FIG. 25A illustrates features of an exemplary embodiment of the LEDlandscape inground light fixture beam changing mechanism configured toprovide a light beam angle output of 15 degrees.

FIG. 25B illustrates features of an exemplary embodiment of the LEDlandscape inground light fixture beam changing mechanism configured toprovide a light beam angle output of 30 degrees.

FIG. 25C illustrates features of an exemplary embodiment of the LEDlandscape inground light fixture beam changing mechanism configured toprovide a light beam angle output of 45 degrees.

FIG. 25D illustrates features of an exemplary embodiment of the LEDlandscape inground light fixture beam changing mechanism configured toprovide a light beam angle output of 60 degrees.

FIG. 26A illustrates features of another exemplary embodiment of the LEDlandscape inground light fixture beam changing mechanism configured toprovide a light beam angle output of 15 degrees.

FIG. 26B illustrates features of the exemplary embodiment of the LEDlandscape inground light fixture beam changing mechanism of FIG. 26Aconfigured to provide a light beam angle output of 30 degrees.

FIG. 26C illustrates features of the exemplary embodiment of the LEDlandscape inground light fixture beam changing mechanism of FIGS. 26Aand 26B configured to provide a light beam angle output of 40 degrees.

FIG. 26D illustrates features of the exemplary embodiment of the LEDlandscape inground light fixture beam changing mechanism of FIGS. 26A,26B, and 26C configured to provide a light beam angle output of 60degrees.

FIG. 27 illustrates various features of an exemplary embodiment of a LEDlandscape inground light fixture light beam aiming mechanism including atilting structure.

FIG. 28 is a drawing illustrating an exemplary embodiment of a LEDlandscape inground light fixture including a pressure equalizerdiaphragm.

FIG. 29 is a drawing illustrating an exemplary embodiment of a landscapeinground light fixture with a concrete pour canister.

FIG. 30 is a drawing illustrating a circuit diagram of an exemplaryembodiment of an adjustable dimmable LED light fixture circuit.

FIG. 30A is a drawing illustrating portions of the LED circuit of FIG.30.

FIG. 30B is a drawing illustrating portions shown in FIG. 30A overlayedon the LED circuit of FIG. 30 so as it identify elements included ineach of the portions for one exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 30C is a drawing which illustrates the two sources of feedbackwhich are used to control the current regulator of the LED circuit.

FIG. 30D is a drawing which illustrates that exemplary the LED circuitincludes a control circuit configured to control a LED light source.

FIG. 30E illustrates a Table 1 including exemplary components used inthe exemplary LED circuit shown in FIG. 30.

FIG. 30F illustrates a Table 2 including exemplary components foranother exemplary embodiment, which is a variation of the LED circuit ofFIG. 30.

FIG. 30G is a drawing illustrating an exemplary LED circuit, inaccordance with an exemplary embodiment, which may use the componentslisted in Table 2 of FIG. 30F.

FIG. 31 illustrates a functional block diagram of the exemplary ICXL6006 shown in the circuit diagram shown in FIG. 30.

FIG. 32 illustrates a cross sectional view and various features of anexemplary embodiment of an LED landscape inground light fixture.

FIG. 33 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of an LED landscapespotlight.

FIG. 34 illustrates various features of an exemplary LED landscapeinground light fixture pressure equalizer screw in vent.

FIG. 35 illustrates an exemplary dimming control knob with and without adimming control knob sealing gasket.

FIG. 36 illustrates features and portions of an exemplary embodiment ofa lower or base assembly of an exemplary LED landscape lighting fixture.

FIG. 37 illustrates features and portions of an exemplary driver housingof a base assembly of an exemplary LED landscape lighting fixture.

FIG. 38 illustrates features and portions of an exemplary driver housingand a sealing gasket of a base assembly of an exemplary LED landscapelighting fixture.

FIG. 39 illustrates features and portion of an exemplary tiltingmechanism for spot light and flood light landscape lighting fixtures.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 is a drawing illustrating various features of an exemplaryembodiment of a LED landscape spotlight light assembly 100. The detailsof various features and components of the LED landscape spotlight lightassembly 100 is shown in further detail in FIG. 5. As can be seen inFIG. 1, the top portion of the LED lighting assembly 100 includes a mainfixture housing 532, a beam angle changing dial 510, and a shroud 504.The light shroud 504 is slid or screwed onto the beam angle changingdial 510 and secured in place with a screw 502 with a large headallowing for easy removal and changing of the shroud 504 by hand.

The adjustable beam angle control dial 510 allows for changing the beamangle of the light output of the fixture by hand without breaking one ormore water tight seals which protect some of the electronics and opticsof the light fixture as will be discussed below. The beam angle controldial 510 is shown with indicator markings corresponding to differentangle beam positions. Alignment of the pointer on the body of the mainbody portion 532 of the light assembly 100 with an angle position markeron the beam angle control dial 510 indicates the angle setting at agiven point in time. Angle position indicator markings may be in theform of a line or lines, a printed mark indicating a specific angle suchas 10 degrees, 25 degrees, 40 degrees, 60 degrees or some other userselectable angle position. By rotating the beam angle change controldial 510 a user can change the lens angle to which the light assembly isset. The support base includes an electrical driver enclosure 540 with alight output control with corresponding wattage indicators. Theelectrical driver enclosure 540 is water tight and protects thecomponents housed in the enclosure 540 from both dirt and water. Alocking nut 564 can be used to secure the fixture to an electrical boxafter the threaded portion of the enclosure 540 is extended through ahole of the electrical box being used to mount the light fixture 100.Alternatively, rather than use retaining nut 564, the light fixture 100can be screwed into a threaded hole of a light box such as is commonlyavailable on many waterproof exterior electrical boxes intended to mountlight fixtures outdoors.

Diagram 200 of FIG. 2 is a drawing of a side view of the LED landscapespotlight light assembly 100 of FIG. 1 illustrating various features ofthe exemplary embodiment of the LED landscape spotlight. Diagram 200illustrates that in the exemplary embodiment the fixture is 5⅞ incheshigh measured from the fixture securing nut to the top of the shroud and6⅝ inches in length.

Diagram 300 of FIG. 3 is a drawing of a front view of the LED landscapespotlight light assembly 100 of FIG. 1. In the exemplary embodiment fromthe fixture securing nut to the thumbscrew used to attach external glarecontrol accessories to the main body measures 3 inches.

Diagram 400 FIG. 4 is a drawing of a bottom view of the LED landscapespotlight light assembly 100 of FIG. 1. The size of the shroud is shownas 2⅞ inches wide.

While various dimensions are shown in the Figures, these dimensions areonly exemplary in nature. For the figures are not drawn to scale asemphasis is placed on explaining the invention and the invention isapplicable to fixtures and parts of differing dimensions.

Diagram 500 FIG. 5 is a drawing illustrating an exploded view of theexemplary LED landscape spotlight light assembly 100 of FIG. 1 showingthe details of various features and components of the exemplaryembodiment of the LED landscape spotlight.

Elements or steps in different figures bearing the same referencenumbers are the same or similar and will only be described in detailonce.

Features and components of the exemplary LED landscape spotlight lightassembly 100 as shown in diagram 500 of FIG. 5 will now be described.The LED landscape spotlight fixture 100 includes structures for on-boardlight beam angle control, beam direction control, and control of wattageadjustments without the need to disassembly the light fixture. In someembodiments, a user can adjust the light beam angle from 10 to 60degrees changing the light beam angle from a spot position to a floodposition. In other embodiments other ranges of beam angle changes arepossible. In some embodiments, a user can adjust the wattage from 2 to16 with an operating range of 9-15 volts AC or DC with these rangesbeing exemplary and not limiting. The LED landscape spotlight includesseals, e.g., gaskets (flat or custom shaped to match the objects), orings and/or other flexible shaped seals. One or more of the seals maybe, and in some embodiments are made of silicone material with the sealor seals protecting the light fixture from the intrusion of water anddirt thereby providing a water proof or water resistant fixture which isalso resistant to dirt. The use of LEDs as the light source provides acost and energy savings over the use of other light sources such asincandescent bulbs and provides multiple lumen output ranges comparableto 10 W-75 W MR 16 halogen lights.

An LED landscape spotlight, implemented in accordance with one or morefeatures, may and in some embodiments is use to provide accent lighting.The accent lighting in such a case may be and often is directionallighting that draws attention to a displayed object such as for examplea statue or tree, or surface, or to highlight, dramatize, and focusattention on a defined space such as a garden or position on a monumentor stage.

In at least one exemplary embodiment the LED landscape spotlight lightfixture includes an upper LED light assembly 533 and a lower LED lightassembly 565 also referred to as a LED light base assembly 565.

The exemplary upper LED light assembly 533 shown in FIG. 5 includes: ashroud 504, a thumbscrew 502, accessory lens 506, transparent seal 508,e.g., sealing glass 508, a beam angle control dial 510, a movable holderassembly 513 (which includes a main holder body 512 and an elementholder 516), a beam angle changing lens 514, a lower holder guide 518, aLED (light emitting diode) protection layer locking nut 520, a seal 522,e.g., gasket, LED protection layer glass 524, a LED holder 526, a lightsource 528 which in this exemplary embodiment is a LED, a seal 530,e.g., gasket, and a fixture main body 532 also sometimes referred to asmain body fixture 532.

Box 566 illustrates several exemplary optional accessories for thespotlight fixture including snoot accessory 568, cross louver accessory570 and long shroud assembly 572 which may be used in place of or incombination with the shroud 504. One or more of the accessories may be,and in some embodiments are, used with spotlight fixture 100. Otherexternal accessories such as shades, hoods, grills may, and in someembodiments are, used with the light fixture and can be replaced withoutaffecting the water tight seal of the fixture.

These optional accessories for the spotlight fixture including snootaccessory 568, cross louver accessory 570 and long shroud accessory 572provide glare control and shape the light emanating from the lightingfixture. The snoot accessory 568 is a tube that provides glare controland shapes the light leaving the fixture. It is used for example tocontrol the direction and radius of the light beam. Snoot accessoriesmay be, and in some embodiments are, conical, cylindrical, orrectangular in shape. A louver is a structure including a series ofbaffles used to shield a source from view at certain angles, to absorb,block, reflect or redirect light. The cross louver accessory 570includes a cross blade or grid in the louver structure. One or more ofthe accessories may be, and in some embodiments are, used with spotlightfixture 100. The long shroud assembly 572 is a shroud which may be ashade which is longer in length it also provides glare control andshapes and directs the light beam emanating from the light fixture. Insome embodiments, one or more of these accessories may replace theshroud 504.

In some embodiments, one or more of these accessories may replace theshroud 504. An enlarged view of the upper LED light assembly 533 isshown in FIG. 6A with the accessory being secured using screw 502.

The elements and components of the upper LED light assembly 533 will nowbe discussed in additional detail in connection with FIGS. 6A, 7, 8, and9. The shroud 504 of the upper LED light assembly 533 in someembodiments is made of cast aluminum. The shroud 504 is used for glarecontrol. It can be rotated 360 degrees around the fixture main body 532and is secured, after rotation to the desired position, to the fixturemain body 532 with thumb screw 502. The thumbscrew 502 in someembodiments is made of stainless steel and is used to secure externalcontrol accessories such as for example glare control accessoriesincluding the shroud 504 to the fixture main body 532 and may extendthrough a hole or slot in the accessory and presses against the fixturemain body 532 forming a friction fit and in some embodiments the tip ofthe screw seats in a groove which extends around the side of the topportion of the fixture main body 532 allowing the accessory to berotated around the fixture main body 532 to a user desired position andthen locked in placed by tightening the thumb screw 502.

Optional glare and light shaping accessories including the snootaccessory 568, cross louver accessory 570 and long shroud accessory 572can be secured to the fixture main body 532 using thumb screw 502. Theoptional snoot accessory 568 in some embodiments is made of brass. Insome embodiments, the optional moot accessory 568 is made of aluminum.The snoot accessory 568 is a glare control accessory which may be, andin some embodiments is, used in place of the shroud accessory 504. Thecross louver accessory 570 is another optional accessory that may and insome embodiments is used in place of the shroud 504. In some embodimentsthe cross louver accessory is made of brass. In some embodiments thecross louver accessory is made of aluminum. The cross louver accessoryalso provides glare control. The long shroud 570 accessory is also anoptional accessory that may be, and in some embodiments is, used inplace of the shroud 504. The long shroud 570 is similar in shape to theshroud assembly but is longer than shroud 504. In some embodimentsshroud 570 is made of aluminum while in some embodiments it is made ofbrass or plastic. The shroud 570 can be and sometimes is used to provideglare control.

The accessory lens 506 is used to control or select the spectrum of thelight emitted from the light fixture. In some embodiment the accessorylens 506 is made of colored glass. In some other embodiments, theaccessory lens 506 is made of plastic. The accessory lens 506 in someembodiments acts as a color filter allowing light of the desired colorto pass out of the light but block light of other colors by filteringout the undesired colors. The sealing glass 508 in some embodiments istempered glass. The sealing glass 508 seals and protects the lightfixture from environmental conditions such as the entry of water and/ordirt that may damage the internal components of the upper light assembly533 such as for example the beam changing lens 514 and light source 528.In some embodiments, translucent plastic is used in place of thetempered glass.

The sealing glass 508 can remain in place while accessories such asshroud 504 and color control lens 506 may be changed.

The beam angle changing dial 510, also sometimes referred to a beamangle control dial, is made of cast aluminum but other materials such asplastic may be used. The beam angle changing dial 510 in someembodiments has markings indicating a beam angle width selected by theuser and which will be output from the light fixture. The beam anglechanging dial 510 changes the beam angle when it is rotated clockwiseand counter clockwise as will be explained in greater detail below.Movable holder assembly 513 in the exemplary embodiment of upper lightassembly 533 includes main holder body 512 and element holder 516. Insome embodiments, the main holder body 512 is made of polycarbonate. Themain holder body 512 is inside the beam angle changing dial 510 andcontacts tabs on the beam angle changing dial 510 which cause the mainholder body 512 to rotate in response to rotation of the beam anglechanging dial 510. In some embodiments, the element holder 516 is madeof polycarbonate.

The element holder 516 is shown in this exemplary embodiment as holdingthe beam angle changing lens 514. The element holder 516 includes guidepins 904 and 922 shown in greater detail in FIG. 8. As will be discussedbelow, the element holder 516 can rotate in response to the turning ofthe beam angle changing dial 510 and holder 512 and move up and down inslots of the lower holder guide 518 as the rotation occurs causing theelement holder 516 to move in or out with respect to the bottom of thefixture main body 532. As arrows 765 in FIG. 7 show rotation of the beamangle changing dial 510 in a counter clockwise direction results in thebeam angle changing lens moving down into the housing toward the LEDlight source. Rotation of the beam angle changing dial 510 in aclockwise results in the beam angle changing lens moving up and awayfrom the LED light source. In some embodiments as will be explained ingreater detail below the element holder 516 holds the LED light sourceinstead of the beam angle changing lens 514.

The lower holder guide 518 is in some embodiments made of polycarbonate.The lower holder guide 518 in some embodiments houses the beam anglemain holder body 512 and beam angle changing lens 514. The lower holderguide 518 includes one or more slotted angled grooves 909 in which thepins 904 and 922 of the element holder 516 slide as the element moves inand out as it rides in the diagonal slots 908 of the lower holder guide518 and rotates with the rotation of the main holder body 512. Thus asthe pins 904 and 922 of the element holder 516 slide up and down in thestraight top to bottom slots 803 and 905 of the main holder body 512they will also slide along the diagonal slots 908 of the lower holderguide 518. The combination of the diagonal slots 908 of the lower holderbody 518 in combination with the straight slots 803 and 905 of the mainholder body 512 guide and drive the element holder 516 as the beam anglechanging dial 510 is rotated.

Having discussed the movable holder assembly 513, the discussion willnow turn to the sealing and protection of the LED light source 528 inthe main fixture body 532 so that the light source is protected whilestill allowing the beam angle to be changed via rotation of the beamchanging dial 510.

The LED (light emitting diode) protection layer locking nut 520 in someembodiments is made of cast aluminum. The LED protection layer lockingnut 520 secures the LED protection layer 524 and seal 530 in place. Theseal 530 is in some embodiments made of a silicone material, e.g.,silicone sealant or another gasket material such as rubber. The LEDprotection layer 524 is in some embodiments made of glass. The LEDprotection element 524 is translucent and protects the LED light source528 from moisture and possible moisture build up in the cavity of themain body fixture 532.

In some embodiments such as the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 6A,the LED holder 526 is made of plastic and is secured to the fixture mainbody 532. In some embodiments, the LED holder 526 is secured to thefixture main body using snaps, screws and/or glue. In some embodiments,the LED holder 526 is secured to the fixture main body using a fastenersuch as for example one or more screws.

As previously explained in some other embodiments than the one shown inFIG. 6A, the element holder 516 holds the LED light source 528 in whichcase the LED holder 526 is not used. It will be appreciated that in suchembodiments, a lens holder is positioned above the LED light source 528and element holder 516 holds the beam angle changing lens 514 in a fixedposition so that when the element holder 516 holding the LED lightsource 528 moves, the distance between the fixed beam angle changinglens and light source will vary changing the beam angle.

The light source 528 in each of the various embodiments convertselectrical energy (electricity) into light. In this example the lightsource is a light emitting diode, such as for example a semiconductorLED. In some embodiments, the light source is an LED that operates onlow voltage for example 12V or 24V. In some embodiment the light outputis white light and reaches an output of up to 900 lumens orapproximately 900 lumens. In some particular embodiments, the LEDproduces a warm white light 2700K Correlated Color Temperature (CCT) orapproximately 2700K CCT. In some embodiments, the LED light sourceproduces a pure white light 3000K CCT or approximately 3000 CCT. In someembodiments, the LED is an Organic LED. In some embodiments, the lightsource is a combined LED and OLED. In some embodiments, the light sourceis a polymer light-emitting diode (PLED). The light source 528 in someembodiments is an LED module or assembly including a plurality ofseparate LEDs that produce light. The LED light source 528 is in someembodiments the LED shown and described in FIGS. 30, 30A, 30B, 30C, 30D,and 30G labeled LED and/or numbered 3054 and 3077. When the LED 528 isthe LED 3054 and 3077, the LED is coupled to the control circuit 3001 bywires 578 shown in FIG. 6B.

The gasket 530 in some embodiments is made of a silicone material butuse of other materials such as rubber are possible and used in someembodiments. The gasket 530 is used to seal the lens assembly from entryof water and dirt.

The fixture main body 532 in some embodiments is made of cast aluminumwhich helps to dissipate heat generated by the LED light source 528. Insome embodiments the fixture main body 532 is cylindrical in shape. Thefixture main body 532 includes a cavity 539 (see FIG. 7) in whichvarious components of the upper light assembly 533 including the lightsource 528 are housed. In some embodiments, at least a portion of thecavity 539 of the fixture main body 532 is filled with a sealant such asfor example a silicone material that seals and protects the light source528 from water and dirt. The fixture main body 532 also includes anopening in a portion of the wall or rear bottom portion of the fixturemain body 532 through which wires 578 pass and are connected to supplypower to the light emitter 528. The fixture main body 532 is attached tothe LED light base assembly 565. The fixture main body 532 is attachedto the tilting mechanism 536 of the LED light base assembly 565. In someembodiments, a tilting mechanism is not used and instead a mountingbracket in the same form but which does not tilt is used in place of thetilting mechanism. FIG. 39 shows several different perspective views ofthe tilting mechanism 536 (3900 angled view, 9304 angled view, 3902 topview, front view, and 3908 side view). Angled perspective views 3900 and3904 of the tilting mechanism 536 show the teeth 3914 which mate andinterlock with the teeth 3812 in the upper power of the housing driving540B shown in Figures 3802 and 3804 of FIG. 38. When the tiltingmechanism locking screw 542 is loosened the tilting mechanism can berotated in a clockwise or counter clockwise direction changing thedirection of the light beam being emitting from the light fixture. Afterrotating the tilting mechanism so that the light beam is being emittedin the desired direction the tilting mechanism locking screw 542 istightened securing and locking the tilting mechanism in place. The teethor grooves 3914 mate with the teeth 3812 in the upper driver housing540B interlocking and further preventing the tilting mechanism frommoving once the tilting mechanism 536 has been secured in place by thelocking screw 542. The upper portion 540B of the driver housing 540includes a hole or opening with smooth side walls through which thelocking screw 542 extends. The locking screw 542 then extends throughthe seal 538, e.g., a sealing gasket, which is positioned between theupper portion of the driver housing 540B and the tilting mechanism 536and into the hole 3912 of the tilting mechanism 536. The hole 3912includes female threads for receiving the screw 542. In some embodimentsa gasket such as for example a silicone O-ring is positioned on theshaft of the screw 542 and seals the hole or opening in the upper driverhousing 540A through which the screw passes sealing it from entry ofwater and dirt. The tilting mechanism 536 includes locking connector3910 including arms which are integral to the tilting mechanism 536 andwhich lock into the base of the fixture main body 532 when inserted androtated into position.

As discussed further below in at least some embodiments a seal 534 ispositioned between the tilting mechanism which is a movable mount or insome embodiments the fixed mounting bracket and seals the fixture mainbody 532 and the tilting mechanism or fixed mounting bracket from dirtand water at the point the power wires enter the fixture main body 532.

The LED light assembly 533 will now be described in greater detail withreference to FIGS. 6A, 7, 8, 9, 10A and 10B. In the exemplary embodimenta beam angle changing lens 514 is moved relative to the position of anLED light source 528 to change the beam angle. In other embodiments itshould be appreciated that the LED light source 528 is moved relative tothe position of a fixed beam angle changing lens placed over the LEDlight source 528. Thus, while described in the context of an examplewhere the beam angle changing lens is moved, in other embodiments theLED light source is mounted in the movable holder assembly 513 and thebeam angle changing lens mounted above element holder 516 which may movein and out with respect to the front of the fixture assembly 533. Ineither embodiment, use of a holder assembly 513 in combination with aslotted lower holder guide 518 allows the distance between an LED lightsource 528 and a beam angle changing lens (514) for directing light tobe changed as the beam angle changing dial 510 is rotated. This changein distance between the LED light source and lens is achieved by asimple rotation of the dial 510 without requiring disassembly of the LEDlight assembly 533 and without compromising one or more of the watertight seals included in the LED light assembly as will be discussedbelow.

As previously discussed, the LED light assembly 533 shown in FIG. 6Aincludes an LED light source 528 which is mounted in the LED holder 526and inserted into the cavity 539 of the fixture main body 532 andsecured at a fixed location 531 within the fixture main body 532. Theholder 526 is secured to the fixture main body 532 using screws, glue,snaps or some other fastening technique.

The LED light source 528 is connected to wires 578 shown in FIG. 6Bwhich extend through an opening m the bottom portion of the fixture mainbody 532. The opening in the bottom portion of the fixture main body 532is sealed with glue, a waterproof silicone adhesive which in someembodiments is also used to glue, e.g., pot, the led light emitter intothe bottom of the cavity 539 at the desired light emitter location 531.The fixture main body 532 is attached to a mounting portion of thetilting mechanism 536 of LED light base assembly 565. As previouslyexplained the tilting mechanism 536 includes a locking connector 3910shown in FIG. 39 with arms that extend up into the fixture main body 532and when rotated into position secure and lock the fixture main body 532to the tilting mechanism 536. The tilting mechanism 536 is extended orin some embodiments threaded into a hole in the bottom of the fixturemain body 532 through which the wires 578 pass. The hole is sealed by aseal 534 (see FIG. 6B) which is placed between the fixture main body 532and the titling mechanism mount portion as well as with glue in someembodiments. In some embodiments the gasket 534 is a rubbery blockthrough which the power wires pass and when wedged into the openingcompresses around the wires to provide a watertight seal.

A top portion 535 of the fixture main body 532 includes one or moremounting pads 537, also sometimes referred to as tabs, which extendoutward from the wall of the fixture main body 532. The mounting pads537 can and in some embodiments are used to hold a beam angle changingdial 510 in place over the top portion 535 of the fixture main body 532while allowing the beam angle changing dial 510 to rotate. This can beseen more clearly in FIG. 7. The assembly of the beam angle changingdial 510 onto the fixture main body 532 is achieved in some embodimentsby sliding the beam angle changing dial 510 over the top portion 535 ofthe main body fixture 532 with the tabs 537 aligned with notches 706inside the beam angle changing dial (see FIG. 7) and then once the tabs537 are in a retaining groove 707 rotating the beam angle changing dial510 so that the tabs slide into the groove and while in the retaininggroove 707 prevents the beam angle changing dial 510 from moving forwardoff the top of the fixture main body 532. A seal, e.g., an O ring 530 orother gasket, is placed around the outside of the top portion 535 of thefixture main body 532 and seals between the inside surface of the wallof the cylindrical beam angle changing dial 510 and the outer surface ofthe top portion 535 of the fixture main body 532. The seal 530 providesa water tight seal even as the beam angle changing dial 510 is rotatedand moves around the top portion 535 of the fixture main body 532 of thelight fixture.

Referring now to FIG. 7, it can be seen that in some embodiments thebeam angle changing dial 510 includes angle markings 711 on the exteriorside surface of the beam angle changing dial 510, e.g., 10 degrees, 25degrees, 40 degrees, etc. (See FIG. 7) In this example, the beam anglechanging dial has angle markings for 10, 20, 40 and 60 degrees (seeangle markings 710) but in other embodiments other degree angle markingsmay be and sometimes are used depending on whether the supported rangeof angles is smaller or larger than in the exemplary embodiment. Thefixture main body 532 includes an angle indicator marking 702, e.g., anarrow or dot, on its exterior surface which when aligned with an anglemarking 711 on the beam angle changing dial 510 indicates the beam anglesetting to which the light fixture is set. Thus, from the outside of theLED light assembly 533 by looking at the angle on the beam anglechanging dial 510 adjacent the mark 702 a user can easily see thecurrent angle setting in effect and by rotating the beam angle changingdial 510 can alter the beam angle as will be discussed further below bychanging the relative distance between the LED light source 528 and abeam angle changing lens 514 without opening the LED light assembly 533.

Referring once again to FIG. 6A, it can be seen that the fixture mainbody 532 includes cavity 539 through which wires 578 enter at the bottomthrough an opening sealed with glue. The wires 578 extend into thecavity 539 and are connected to the light source 528 thus providingpower to the LED light emitter 528 which is mounted in a holder 526which is secured, e.g., using glue, snaps and/or screws, at the fixedlocation 531 within the main body fixture 532. While the bottom of thecavity portion in which the LED light emitter 528 is housed is sealed byglue and/or a gasket 534 such as for example an O-ring in the area wherewires 578 enter, the cavity portion in which the LED light source 528 ismounted is sealed at the top of the cavity 539 through which light exitsby protection glass 524 which is held in place by an adhesive and/or aseal, e.g., gasket 522, and locking nut 520. In embodiments where alocking nut is used, the locking nut 520 may include a recessed surfacefor receiving the gasket 522 and protective glass 524 and for pressingthe gasket against the glass as the locking nut 520 is screwed onthreads located at the top outside portion of the fixture main body 532.

Thus, it should be appreciated that the LED light source 528 is sealedin the cavity 539 and protected from water and dirt entry at the top bythe sealing glass 524 and at the bottom through the use of glue and/or agasket or O ring 534. Additional layers of sealing protection areprovided by the gasket 530 which seals the bottom portion of the beamangle changing dial 510 and a changing dial protective sealing glass 508which is glued to the top of the changing dial 510 sealing the top ofthe changing dial and protecting the elements including a movable holderassembly 513, and a lower holder guide 518 into which said holderassembly 513 is inserted and which are covered by the beam anglechanging dial 510, from dirt, water and other contaminants.

The holder assembly 513, in the FIG. 6A embodiment, includes a mainholder body 512 and an element holder 516. Element holder 516 isinserted into the holder 512 with the pins 904 and 922 of the holdersliding in the vertical slots 803 and 905 (see FIG. 8) of the mainholder body 512 and the holder being forced to rotate as the holder 512rotates. In some embodiment the main holder body 512 is inserted intothe lower guide 518. While the holder 512 snaps onto the lip 909 alsoreferred to as a flange (see FIG. 8) of the guide 518 in someembodiments it can rotate within the guide 518 and the element holder516 can move along the diagonal slots 908 of the guide 518.

In some embodiment the lens 514 has an outer lip which is used to securethe lens in the element holder which includes snaps 930 which protrudeover the lip of the lens and hold it in the element holder after thelens is snapped into the element holder.

As should be appreciated, the element holder, depending on theembodiment and whether the light emitter or lens is to be moved, holdsone of the beam angle changing lens 514 or the LED light source 528which is held in the holder assembly 513. In the FIG. 6A embodiment, itis the beam angle changing lens 514 that is held in the element holder516 of the holder assembly 513. The element holder 516 includes at leastone guide pin 904 (see FIG. 9) but in some embodiments has one guide pinon each side of the element holder 516 (e.g., guide pins 904 and 922)while even more guide pins are possible and used in some embodiments.The main holder body 512 of the holder assembly 513 includes driveflange 512′ which engages a drive tab 709 on the inside wall the beamangle changing dial 510. In at least some embodiments the beam anglechanging dial 510 includes multiple drive tabs, e.g., one on each side,for engaging corresponding drive tabs, one on each side, of the mainholder body 512.

The holder assembly is inserted into a lower holder guide 518. The lowerholder guide 518 includes at least one angled slot (908) (see FIG. 9)but normally two 180 degrees apart, in a sidewall (519) of said lowerholder guide 518 and extending at an angle from a lower portion of saidsidewall 519 to an opening in the top of said sidewall 519. The guidepin (904) of the element holder 516 is inserted into said at least oneangled slot 908 and travels along said angled slot 908 in response torotation of the main body holder 512. Travel of the holder along theangled slot changes a distance between the LED light source 528 and thebeam angle changing lens 514 as the holder assembly 513 travels in saidangled slot 908 and moves closer or further from the LED light source.Thus by rotating the changing dial 510 a user can alter the position ofthe LED light source to the beam angle changing lens 514 since the lightbeam angle changing lens will move closer to or further from the lightsource 528 as the element holder 516 moves with the main holder body 512guided by the pin 904 that extends into the angled slot of the lowerholder guide 518 as the changing dial 510 rotates. In some embodimentstwo guide pins and corresponding slots are used. The guide pins 904 and922 extend into and move along the angled slots of the lower holderguide 518 as the changing dial 510 rotates.

In some embodiments, the LED light assembly includes a beam anglelocking set screw 708 shown in FIG. 7 which extends through an openingin the beam angle changing dial 510 and presses against the outside wallof the fixture main body 532. Once the user has rotated the beam anglechanging dial to the desired setting, the beam angle lock screw 708 isscrewed down so that it makes contact with and is pressing against thefixture main body 532 and locks the beam angle changing dial in placepreventing movement, such as unintentional movement, of the beam anglechanging dial 510. When the user wishes to change the beam angle of thefixture the beam angle lock screw 708 is loosened until the screw is nolonger making contact with or pressing against the fixture main body 532with enough force to prevent the beam changing dial from rotating. Onceloosened the beam angle lock screw 708 is loosened the beam angle changedial 510 can be rotated to a new beam angle position and the beam anglelock screw 708 re-engaged locking down the beam changing dial 710 fromrotating.

In various embodiments one or more accessories are mounted to the top ofthe beam angle changing dial 510 by sliding the accessory such as ashroud 504 over the top of the beam angle changing dial 510 and securingthe accessory to the beam angle change dial 510 with one or more screws(e.g., thumbscrew 502) which may be and in some embodiments are handtightened.

The accessory, such as the shroud 504, can be and in some embodiments isused to hold a color changing lens or filter 506 over the outerprotective glass 508 through which emitted light passes. A user caneasily change the color of light by removing the shroud 504 andreplacing the color changing lens 506 with a different color lens andthen placing the shroud 504 back in place. In addition to shroud 504, asnoot 548, a cross louver 570 or a shroud 572 with a longer length thanthe shroud 504 may be and sometimes are used in place of shroud 504.

A color filter lens 506 placed over said outer sealing lens 508 and heldin place by an accessory may be used to filter the light and providedifferent light colors and patterns. Thus, in at least some embodimentsthe holder assembly 513 includes at least one guide pin 904 and driveflange 512′ where the holder assembly 513 holds one of the lens 514 orthe LED light source 528. In addition the beam angle changing dial 510includes at least one inner tab 709 for driving a drive flange 512′ ofthe holder assembly 513 to induce rotation in the holder assembly 513and movement within said angled slot (908) when said beam angle changingdial (510) is rotated.

Thus it should be appreciated that filters and accessories can bechanged as well as the beam angle, without affecting the numerous watertight seals and protections against water and dirt intrusionincorporated in to the LED light assembly 533.

FIG. 7 shows additional features and details of some of the componentsof the LED spot light upper assembly 533. The top portion 535 of thefixture main body 532 includes one or more mounting or locking pads 537as previously noted. In the exemplary embodiment two mounting pads at180 degrees from each other are used which are on the outer surface ofthe fixture main body 532 and they extend outward from the wall of thefixture main body 532. The mounting pads 537 in some embodiments areused to hold the beam angle changing dial 510 in place over the topportion 535 of the fixture main body 532 while allowing the beam anglechanging dial 510 to rotate. The beam angle changing dial 510 includesangle markings 711 which indicate the beam angle setting to which thelight fixture is set when aligned with the angle indicator marking 702on the outer surface of the fixture main body 532. The beam anglechanging dial 510 includes at least one inner tab 709 for driving adrive flange 512′ of the holder assembly 513 (see FIG. 9) to inducerotation in the holder assembly 513 and movement within said angled slot(908) when said beam angle changing dial (510) is rotated. A beam anglechanging locking screw 708 is used in some embodiments to lock andprevent the beam angle changing dial 510 from moving once the beam anglechanging dial has been rotated to the desired beam angle therein lockingand fixing the beam angle for the light fixture.

Several different views of the beam angle changing dial are shown inFIG. 7 to provide different perspectives of the beam angle changing dial510 and so that different features of the beam angle changing dial 510can be illustrated. Beam angle changing dial 510′ illustrates the beamangle changing dial 510 at a slight angle so that the side of the beamangle changing dial 510 into which the main body holder 512 fits can beseen. Beam angle changing dial 510′ illustrates the securing orretaining groove 707 and notches 706 inside the beam angle changing dialwith which the tabs 537 of the fixture main body 532 are aligned so thatthe change dial can be assembled so that it is in the retaining groove707. While only one notch 706 is shown a second notch or slot opening isincluded in some embodiments at 180 degrees from the notch 706 shownwhich are aligned with the second locking pad or tab 537 on the fixturemain body 532. When assembled the tabs 537 are in a retaining groove 707so that when the beam angle changing dial rotates the tabs 537 preventthe beam angle changing dial 510 from moving forward off the top of thefixture main body 532.

The view 510″ of the beam angle changing dial 510 show in FIG. 7 is antop perspective view of the beam angle changing dial 510′. The view 510shows the beam angle changing lock screw 708. The beam angle changingdial 510 shown in the different views 510′ and 510″ show the inner tab709 for driving a drive flange 512′ of the holder 512 to induce rotationin the main holder body 512 and movement of the element holder 516 andlens 514 along the angled slots 908 when said beam angle changing dial510 is rotated.

Beam angle markings 710 of 60 degrees, 40 degrees, 25 degrees and 10degrees are shown on the beam angle changing dial 510 in view 510′.

FIG. 7 also shows the grouping of elements referred to as the holderassembly 513. The holder assembly 513 includes the main holder body 512and element holder 516. In this exemplary element holder 516 holds thelens 514. Also shown in FIG. 7 is the lower holder guide 518 with sidewall 519 which has one or more angled slots 908 (see FIG. 9).Illustration 752 is a side cross sectional view of upper light assembly533 in an assembled form taken along the line defined by arrows A inillustration 750. Illustration 750 is a front view of the upper lightassembly 533 in an assembled form. Reference number 756 indicates a viewof the seal 530 being pressed between a portion 758 of the beam anglechanging dial 510 and a portion 754 of the fixture main body 532 thereinsealing the fixture. main body 532 from entry of water and dirt.

FIG. 8 illustrates various features of the upper light assembly 533 andwill be used in explaining how the beam angle is changed by rotating bythe beam angle changing dial 510. The elements of the upper lightassembly 533 when put together appear as shown in illustration 940. Themain holder body 512 can rotate within the lower holder guide 518 asindicated by the curved arrows identified by reference number 965.

As shown in FIG. 8, main holder body 512 includes drive flange 512′which includes 4 wider portions. Two of the wider portions identified byreference 513 are flat while two other portions 515 of the flange 512include snaps 936. The snaps 936 snap onto a top flange 909 of the lowerholder guide 518. The snaps 936 keep the main holder body 512 fromseparating from the lower holder guide while allowing the main holderbody 512 to rotate with respect to the lower holder guide 518 while theflange 909 of the lower holder guide 518 supports the flange 512′ of themain holder body.

The extended portions 513, 515 of the flange 512 including flangeportions 513, 515 as well as actuators 804 which are an integral part ofthe flange 512′ interact with one or more of the drive tabs 709 on theinside of the beam angle changing dial 510 causing main holder body 512to rotate with the beam angle changing dial 510. The main holder body512 includes vertical stabilizing pin slots 803 and vertical guide drivepin slots 905.

The element holder 516 includes stabilizer pins 934 which extend outwardbeyond the lip of the element holder 516. The top inside portion of thelens stabilizer pins 934 near the lens 514 include a lens snap 930 whilethe outside of the stabilizer pins 934 in some embodiments includes a Tshaped head and a rectangular shaft. The T shaped head facilitatesretaining of the stabilizer pin 934 in the stabilizer pin slot 803 ofthe main holder body 512 while the rectangular shaft helps preventtilting of the element holder 516 and stabilization of the elementholder 516 as it moves up and down in main holder body 512 guided by theslots 803 which extend perpendicular or generally perpendicular to theflange 512′ in what would be a vertical direction if the spotlight wasfacing straight up.

In addition to the stabilizing pins 934 the element holder 516 includesa pair of guide drive pins 904 and 922. The guide drive pins 904 and 922are in some embodiments round pins that extend out further than thestabilizer pins 934 and pass through the angled drive slots 908 of thelower holder guide 518. The lower holder guide 518 is fixed in the mainholder body by screws and/or glue, e.g., located in the flat bottomportion 921 of the lower hold guide 518 adjacent a center hole 919 inthe bottom of the lower holder guide 518 through which light from thelight emitter 528 passes.

While stabilizer pins 934 remain inside the body of the lower holderguide 518, the drive guide pins 904 and 922 in the angled slots 908 ofthe lower holder guide 518 pass through the sidewall 519 of the lowerholder guide 518. The sidewall of the lower holder guide 518 exertspressure on the drive pins 904 and 922 as the beam angle changing dial510, main holder body 312 and element holder 516 rotate due to userrotation of the beam angle changing dial 510 forcing drive tabs 709against an extended flange portion 515, 517 and/or 804 causing rotationof the main holder body 512 and element holder 516 mounted therein.While the term drive tab has been used, it should be appreciated thatthe drive tabs may be in the form of have a pointed shape, a rectangularshape or some other form which can transfer a force from the beam anglechanging dial 510 to another element, e.g., main holder body 512 toinduce the desired movement with the rotation of the beam angle changingdial 510.

The force exerted by the wall 519 against the drive pins 904 and 922 asthe element holder 512 rotates in the lower holder guide 518 drives thepins 904 and 922 to move in the angled slots 908 causing the elementholder 516 to move up or down in the straight slots 803, 905 of the mainholder body 512. In this way, when a user rotates the beam anglechanging dial 510, which in turn causes the main holder body 512 andelement holder 516 to rotate, angled slots 908 in the lower holder body518 which is fixed relative to the main body housing 532 of the lightfixture will cause the element holder 516 and lens 514 mounted thereinto move up or down. This changes the distance between the light emitter528 and lens 514 causing the beam angle to change as the beam anglechanging dial 510 is rotated.

FIG. 9 is a top view, e.g. a view as would be seen if looking directlythrough the top of the beam changing dial 510 down towards the lightemitter 528. Reference numbers in FIG. 9 which are the same as in otherfigures show the same elements and thus will not be discussed in detailagain.

In FIG. 9 the four snaps 930, for holding lens 514 in the element holder516 are visible with the lens 514 being at the center of the assembly.The element holder 516 is inside of the main holder body 512 which hasits top flange 512′ visible in FIG. 9. The extended portions 515, 517 ofthe flange 512′ are visible in FIG. 9 as well. One or more of theextended flanges 515, 517 will contact a drive tab 709 of the beam anglechanging dial 510 as the beam angle changing dial 510 rotates. Since theflange 512′ of the main holder body 512 sits on top of the flange 909 ofthe lower holder guide 518 into which the main holder body 512 isinserted, on portions of the top flange 909 of the lower holder guide518 are visible in FIG. 9. The drive tabs 709 of the beam angle changingdial 510 and extended flanges 515, 517 of the main holder body 512 areabove the top flange 909 of the lower holder guide 518.

The two outermost rings shown in FIG. 9 are different portions of themain holder body 532 into which the lower holder body 518 if fixed,e.g., by screws at the bottom of the lower holder body 518 which are notvisible in FIG. 9 due to obstruction from view by the lens 514 andflanges 512′, 909.

The top 589 of the threaded portion of the main holder body 532 isvisible in FIG. 9. The threads are represented by two small linesbetween the top surface 589 and the largest diameter portion of thefixture main body 532. Beam angle changing dial retaining tabs 537 canbe seen extending out from below the threaded portion of the fixturemain body 532. These retaining tabs 537 allow the beam angle changingdial 510 to be retained on the fixture main body 532 with the tabsextending into grove 707 after being slipped into the groove 707 viaslot 706.

Snaps 936 are shown in FIG. 9. While these snaps can be seen from thetop, it should be appreciated that they extend down and snap over thelip of flange 909 of the lower holder body 518 securing the flange 512to the flange 909 while still allowing the holder main body 512 torotate with respect to the lower holder A better view of the snaps 936can be seen in FIG. 8.

Having described various features which allow the adjustment of the beamangle of the fixture shown in FIG. 1, beam angles which can be supportedby such a fixture will now be discussed.

FIGS. 10A and 10B illustrate a light fixture embodiment wherein the beamangle changing lens moves relative a fixed LED light source. FIGS. 11Aand 11B illustrate a light fixture embodiment in which the LED lightsource is moved relative to a fixed beam changing lens.

FIG. 10A illustrates an embodiment in which the LED light source 528 isfixed and the beam angle changing lens 514 moves in the upper lightassembly 533. As shown in the diagram of FIG. 10A the upper lightassembly 533 is set to provide a light beam angle output of 10 degrees.The light beam 1010 is shown in the drawing FIG. 10A with an outputangle of 10 degrees which would correlate with a spot light outputconfiguration or setting wherein the beam is narrower. In this settingas is shown in FIG. 10A, the LED light source 528 is a distance D 1030from the beam angle changing lens 514 where D is the maximum permitteddistance from the light source 528 and correlates with a light outputbeam angle of 10 degrees. This is the case where the beam angle changingdial 510 has been rotated clockwise so that the beam angle marking of 10degrees shown on the beam angle changing dial 510 is aligned with thearrow 702 on the fixture main body 532.

FIG. 10B illustrates the same embodiment as FIG. 10 in which the LEDlight source 528 is fixed and the beam angle changing lens 514 moves inthe upper light assembly 533. As shown in the diagram of FIG. 10B theupper light assembly 533 is set to provide a light beam angle output of60 degrees. The light beam 1020 is shown in the drawing FIG. 10B with anoutput angle of 60 degrees which would correlate with a flood lightoutput setting or configuration wherein the beam is more spread outcovering a wider area. In this setting as is shown in FIG. 10B, thelight beam changing lens 514 is now at point 1032 which is the minimumpermitted distance from the light source 528 and correlates with a lightoutput beam angle of 60 degrees. This is the case where the beam anglechanging dial 510 has been rotated counter clockwise so that the beamangle marking of 60 degrees shown on the beam angle changing dial 510 isaligned with the arrow 702 on the fixture main body 532. The lens 514 asshown in this example is a convex lens.

Diagram 1100 of FIG. 11A illustrates an embodiment in which the LEDlight source 528 in holder 1102 (element holder) moves in the upperlight assembly and the beam angle changing lens 514 is fixed. As shownin the diagram of FIG. 11A the upper light assembly is set to provide alight beam angle output of 10 degrees. The light beam 1110 is shown inthe drawing FIG. 11A with an output angle of 10 degrees which wouldcorrelate with a spot light output configuration or setting wherein thebeam is narrower. In this setting as is shown in FIG. 11A, the LED lightsource 528 is a distance D 1130 from the beam angle changing lens 514where D is the maximum permitted distance from the light source 528 andcorrelates with a light output beam angle of 10 degrees.

Diagram 1100′ of FIG. 11B illustrates the same embodiment as FIG. 11 inwhich the LED light source 528 in holder 1102 (element holder) moves inthe upper light assembly and the beam angle changing lens 514 is fixed.As shown in the diagram of FIG. 11B the upper light assembly is set toprovide a light beam angle output of 60 degrees. The light beam 1120 isshown in the drawing FIG. 11B with an output angle of 60 degrees whichwould correlate with a flood light output setting or configurationwherein the beam is more spread out covering a wider area. In thissetting as is shown in FIG. 11B, the LED light source 528 is at a point1132 from the beam angle changing lens 514 which is the minimumpermitted distance from the light source 528 and correlates with a lightoutput beam angle of 60 degrees.

Various features of the LED light base assembly 565 including on-boarddimming control, a tilting mechanism for changing the direction of thelight beam previously described, and the water proof and/or waterresistant structure of the LED light base assembly 565 will now beexplained in greater detail.

The LED light base assembly 565 is shown in greater detail in FIG. 6Balong with the wiring of the LED light fixture. The LED light baseassembly 565 includes seals, e.g., gaskets (flat or custom shaped tomatch the objects or specific surfaces to be sealed), O rings and/orother flexible shaped seals. The LED light base assembly 565 includes aseal 534, e.g., a gasket. In some embodiments, the gasket 534 is anO-ring 534, a tilting mechanism 536, a seal 538, e.g., a gasket, anelectrical driver enclosure 540 also referred to as a driver housing540, tilting mechanism lock screw 542, dimming control knob bracket 544,dimming control knob seal 546, e.g., a gasket 546 which in someembodiments is an O-ring, dimming control knob 548, seal 550, e.g., agasket 550 also referred to as top gasket 550, insulating film 552, LEDdriver assembly 554 which in some embodiments includes the circuitsdescribed in FIGS. 30, 30A, 30B, 30C, 30D, 30E, 30F, 30G, 31 with theexception of the LED to which the circuits are connected with wires 578,potentiometer 555 which in some embodiments is the potentiometer 3062(see FIGS. 30, 30A, 30B, 30C, 30D, 30E, 30F; or potentiometer RV1/500kof FIG. 30G), mounting bracket 556, gasket 558 which in some embodimentsis an O-ring also referred as bottom gasket 558 or O-ring 558, driverhousing enclosure cap 560, driver enclosure cap screws 562, sealing glue563, and fixture securing nut 564. The fixture securing nut 564 which inthe exemplary embodiment is made of cast aluminum and secures thefixture horizontal rotation in place is not shown in FIG. 6B hut isshown in FIG. 5. Also shown in FIG. 6B are the light fixture powersupply wires 576 which come from the power source and are connected tothe LED driver circuit of the LED driver assembly 554 and wires 578which are connected on one end to the LED driver circuit of the LEDdriver assembly 554 and are connected on other end to the light sourceof the fixture which is LED 528.

Features and details of the LED light base assembly 565 will now beexplained in connection with FIGS. 6B, 6C, 6D, 35, 36, 37, 38 and 39.This LED light base assembly 565 allows for light fixture with theability to externally change the light output and power usage of thelight fixture without compromising the water tight seal. While theembodiments describe the sealing of the system to prevent the intrusionof water, they also prevent in some embodiments the intrusion of dirtand/or other liquids. This is accomplished as will be explained indetail below through the use of several layers of seals which in someembodiments include gaskets and O-rings and potting in order to seal theLED light base assembly from water intrusion. Potting referring to theinclusion of a sealing glue such as for example silicone included in thecavity of the driver housing 540. In some embodiments, one or more ofthe gaskets used in either the upper assembly 533 or LED light baseassembly 536 are O-rings. While the terms gasket and O ring have beenused it should be appreciated that the invention is applicable to use ofseals which seal and protect against the intrusion of water and dirt.While in many embodiments, the seals, gaskets and O-rings are made froma silicone material, other suitable sealing or gasketing material thatprotects against the intrusion of liquids such as water may be, and insome embodiments are, used. In some embodiments, one or more of theseals, gaskets or O-rings are made from rubber.

The gasket 534 in some embodiments is an O-ring made of silicone. Thegasket 534 is used to seal and prevent the intrusion of water betweenthe tilting mechanism assembly 536 and the fixture main body 532. Thetilting mechanism 536 in some embodiments is made of cast aluminum. Thetilting mechanism 536 is used to change the vertical angle of thefixture main body 532 to which it is connected and therein the directionof the light output from the light fixture. Different perspective views3900, 3902, 3904, 3906, and 3908 of the tilting mechanism 536illustrating different surfaces of the tilting mechanism are shown inFIG. 39. Gasket 538 in some embodiments is made of silicone. Gasket 538is positioned between a surface of the driver housing 540 and a surfaceof tilting mechanism 536. The surface of the tilting mechanism 536 maybe, and in some embodiments is, recessed so that the gasket 538 isseated in the recessed portion of the tilting mechanism 536. The wires578 extend through an opening in the seal or gasket 538. In someembodiments, the opening through which the wires 578 extend are in aside portion of the gasket 538. The tilting mechanism locking screw 542also extends through an opening in the gasket 538. The opening throughwhich the tilting mechanism locking screw extends may be, and in someembodiments is, relatively circular and centered in the middle of theseal and is separate from the opening through which the wires 578extend. The gasket 538 seals the tilting mechanism 536. For example, thegasket 538 seals an opening in the tilting mechanism through which thetilting mechanism lock screw extends from the intrusion of water as wellas the opening through which wires 578 extend. In some embodiments, thewires 578 also extends through the same opening in the seal as thetilting mechanism locking screw wherein the opening is generallycircular but includes a cut out notch in one side of the opening inwhich the wires are inserted and pass through the gasket. The gasket 538also seals one or more openings through which the wires 578 extend fromthe intrusion of water when the openings through which the wires extendare different from the opening through which the tilt mechanism lockscrew 542 extends. In some embodiments, the gasket 538 also seals anyopenings in the top of driver housing 540 through which the wires 578extends. The tilting mechanism lock screw 542 in some embodiments ismade of stainless steel. The tilting mechanism lock screw is used tolock the fixture vertical angle in place and prevent it from moving.

The LED driver assembly 554 is mounted and enclosed in a driver housing540. The driver housing 540 is an enclosure for the gasket 550, aninsulating film 552, LED driver assembly 554 which includes apotentiometer 555 with potentiometer dimming control switch 555A, andLED driver mounting bracket 556. The driver housing 540 is connected tothe dimmer control knob 548 and the tilting mechanism 536.

The driver housing 540 has an upper portion 540B including an openingthrough which the tilting mechanism locking screw 542 extends and a baseportion 540A. The base portion 540A includes a control knob opening. Thehousing base portion 540A includes dimples 584, 586, 590, 594 and 598for aligning the dimmer control knob indicator to a specific setting. Inthis example, the settings the dimples represent are wattage settings asindicated by the W letter 580 included on the housing base portion 540A.Positioned next to the dimple 584 is the wattage marking 2 W 582indicating a power usage setting of the light fixture of 2 watts whenthe dimming control knob setting indicator is aligned with the dimple584. Positioned next to the dimple 586 is the wattage marking 4 W 588indicating a power usage setting of the light fixture of 4 watts whenthe dimming control knob setting indicator is aligned with the dimple588. Positioned next to the dimple 590 is the wattage marking 8 W 592indicating a power usage setting of the light fixture of 8 watts whenthe dimming control knob setting indicator is aligned with the dimple590. Positioned next to the dimple 594 is the wattage marking 13 W 596indicating a power usage setting of the light fixture of 13 watts whenthe dimming control knob setting indicator is aligned with the dimple594. Positioned next to the dimple 598 is the wattage marking 16 W 599indicating a power usage setting of the light fixture of 16 watts whenthe dimming control knob setting indicator is aligned with the dimple598. While in this example the dimples and corresponding wattagesettings of 2 W, 4 W, 8 W, 13 W, and 16 W have been shown other wattagesettings and dimples and/or additional wattage settings andcorresponding dimples may be, and in some embodiments, are used. Insteadof dimples, other indicators or marks such as for example a line, orraised dot may be, and in some embodiments, are used. Similarly whilethe dimming control knob indicator includes an arrow (see FIG. 33reference numeral 3302 pointing to the arrow on the dimming control knob548) to identify where it is pointing other indicators markings such asa dimple, line or raised dot may be used on the dimming control knob548. In the embodiment of the landscape LED spot light illustrated indiagram 3300 of FIG. 33 which also includes a pedestal the dimples, thewattage, the letter W and arrow indicator on the dimming control knob548 are shown as being molded into the driver housing and dimmingcontrol knob 548. Other methods of including these marking indicatorssuch for example via paint, engraving or the application of labels may,and in some embodiments, is used to create the marking indicators andcorresponding wattage values. The different power settings alsocorresponding to different light output levels based on the power usagewith the lower the wattage setting the lower the intensity of the lightoutput of the fixture.

Diagram 600A of FIG. 6C shows another exemplary embodiment of the driverhousing base portion 540A of FIG. 6B with additional power usage/dimmingmarkings included on the surface of the driver housing base portion540A. In the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 6C the housing base portion540A includes dimples 584, 586, 590, 594 and 598 for aligning the dimmercontrol knob indicator to a specific setting. In this example, thesettings the dimples represent are wattage settings and apparent powerVA (volt times amperage) settings. The marking W 580 included on thehousing base portion 540A is an indicator that some of the markingindicators reference wattage. The wattage markings are 2 W 582corresponding to dimple 584, 4 W 588 corresponding to dimple 586, 8 W592 corresponding to dimple 590, 13 W 596 corresponding to dimple 594and 16 W 599 corresponding to dimple 598. The wattage markings arelocated on the outer surface of the driver housing base portion 540A andlocated by the dimple to which they correspond so that a userunderstands that when the dimming control knob 548 indicator (e.g.,arrow) points to the dimple the corresponding wattage is being used bythe lighting fixture to produce light. In addition to the wattagesettings, apparent power ratings markings 2.8 VA 601, 8.2 VA 602, 13.4VA 604, 22.3 VA 606 and 23.2 VA 608 are also provided on the outersurface of the driver housing base portion 540A with each markinglocated close to the dimple to which the apparent power corresponds. The2.8 VA 601 marking is located by corresponding dimple 584, the 8.2 VA602 marking is located by the corresponding dimple 586, the 13.4 VAmarking is located by the corresponding dimple 590, the 22.3 VA 606marking is located by the corresponding 594 dimple, and the 23.2 VAmarking is located by the corresponding dimple 598. In some embodiments,the wattage markings are located above the apparent power markings. Insome embodiments, only the apparent power markings are included and notthe wattage markings. In such embodiments, the letter W 580 located atthe bottom center is changed from W to VA. The use of both the wattageand apparent power markings aid installers in calculating the wattageand apparent power being used by the device, for example when installinga system including multiple lighting fixtures powered from the samesource. The apparent power settings are typically used when the powersource is an AC source. The different power settings also correspondingto different light output based on the power usage with the lower thewattage setting the lower the intensity of the light output of thefixture. The wattage settings are typically used when the power sourceis a DC source. The reference numeral 574 of FIG. 6C points to amechanical hard stop raised surface or ridge 574 which is included insome embodiments of the driver housing 540 to prevent the over-turningof the potentiometer 555. In some embodiments, the hard stop ridge 574is molded into the driver housing 540. The same hard stop raised surfaceor ridge 574 is shown in the driver housing 540 of FIGS. 6B and 6D.

Diagram 6001 of FIG. 6D shows another exemplary embodiment of the driverhousing base portion 540A of FIG. 6B with additional power usage/dimmingmarkings included on the surface of the driver housing base portion540A. In the exemplary embodiment 600 B of FIG. 6D the housing baseportion 540A includes dimples 584, 586, 590, 594 and 598 for aligningthe dimmer control knob indicator to a specific setting. Wattagemarkings of 2 W 582, 4 W 588, 8 W 592, 13 W 596 and 16 W 599 are shownthe same as in FIGS. 6B and 6C and will not be discussed in furtherdetail. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 6D, the markings MR 16E 622 areshown below the marking W 580. The MR 16E 622 marking indicates that MR16 halogen equivalent wattage settings are shown below wattage settingson the surface of the driver housing 540. In addition to the wattagesettings, halogen MR 16 equivalent wattage rating or settings are alsoindicated that identify the MR 16 equivalent or comparable wattageoutput settings. This allows an installer who is familiar with MR 16halogen light output wattage setting to configure the light fixture toprovide a, comparable light output based on the MR 16 halogen light outsettings. The MR 16 equivalent halogen wattage marking corresponding todimple 584 is 10 W MR 16 610 and is located below wattage marking 2 W582. The MR 16 equivalent halogen wattage marking corresponding todimple 586 is 25 W MR 16 612 and is located below wattage marking 4 W588. The MR 16 equivalent halogen wattage marking corresponding todimple 590 is 35 W MR 16 616 and is located below wattage marking 8 W592. The MR 16 equivalent halogen wattage marking corresponding todimple 594 is 50 W MR 16 618 and is located below wattage marking 13 W596. The MR 16 equivalent halogen wattage marking corresponding todimple 598 is 75 W MR 16 620 and is located below wattage marking 16 W596. An installer can use the 10 W MR 16 610, 25 W MR 16 612, 35 W MR 16616, 50 W MR 16 618, and 75 W MR 16 620 markings to set the illuminationbrightness and determine the respective 2 W 582, 4 W 588, 8 W 592, 13 W596 and 16 W 599 wattage indications located above MR 16E (MR 16 halogenequivalent) setting by just looking at the light fixture to determinethe amount of wattage being used by the LED light fixture. The MR 16E622 marking is engraved or marked on the driver housing 540 below the W580 marking so that users, e.g., installers, can understand the meaningof the wattage indications referring to MR 16 halogen lights. Thewattages and equivalent halogen MR 16 wattage markings are onlyexemplary in nature and other wattages and their equivalent halogen MR16 wattage markings may be, and in some embodiments, are used. In someembodiments, the lumens being output by the lighting fixture when thedimming control knob arrow points to a corresponding dimple is markednext to the dimple on the outer surface of the driver housing 540.

Returning now to the discussion of the elements of the LED light baseassembly 565, the dimming control knob bracket 544 is used to hold thedimmer control knob 548 in place and is positioned between thepotentiometer 555 and the dimming control knob 548. The dimming controlknob bracket 544 is in some embodiments made of sheet aluminum. Thegasket 546 is in some embodiments made of silicone. In some embodiments,the gasket 546 is a sealing O-ring. Turning now to FIG. 35, the diagram3502 of FIG. 35 shows the dimming control knob 548 from a side viewperspective along with the seal or gasket 546 fitted over the shaft 549of the dimming control knob 548. The gasket 546 is used as a sealbetween the dimming control knob 548 and the driving housing 540. Thedimming control knob 548 includes a shaft portion 549 shown in FIG. 35.The gasket 546 which in the exemplary embodiment is shaped in acanonical form may be, and in some embodiments is an O-ring, ispositioned between a rear or back side 548A of the dimming control knob548 and a surface 535 of the wall of the base portion 540A of the driverhousing 540 shown in FIG. 6B. The shaft portion 549 of the dimmingcontrol knob 548 is in physical contact with a rotatable control 555A ofthe potentiometer 555. The seal or in some embodiments O-ring 546provides a water tight seal between the dimming control knob 548 and thesurface of the wall of the base portion 540A of the driver housing 540.The seal 546 in this way seals and prevents the intrusion of water fromentering the driver housing 540 via the opening 535 in the driverhousing 540 for the dimming control knob 548 while still allowing thedimming control knob 548 to make physical contact with and move thepotentiometer control 555A when the dimming control knob 548 is rotated.

The dimming control knob 548 in some embodiments is made ofpolycarbonate. The dimming control knob 548 includes an indicatorshowing the position of the knob. As previously discussed, the positionindicator is an arrow 3302 as shown in the embodiment of FIG. 33. Thedimming control knob 548 is used to change the power input and lightoutput of the fixture. A user can turn the dimming control knob 548until the indicator in this case an arrow 3302 points to and/or isaligned with the power setting correspond to the desired wattage for thefixture. As the dimming control knob 548 is turned the potentiometercontrol 555A is turned so that the potentiometer 555 is set to provide aresistance value to a portion of a control circuit which will result inthe desired wattage to which the dimming control knob 540 indicator ispointing.

Returning once again to FIG. 6B, the driver housing base portion 540Aincludes a top portion 551. FIGS. 37 and 38 show the top portion 551 ofthe driver housing in further detail. The top portion 551 including asurface, e.g., a flat surface, with a top opening (see e.g., FIG. 37553A and 553B) through which the wires 578 extend. The wires 578 beingcoupled to the LED driver circuit of the LED driver assembly 554. Thewires 578 are also coupled to the light source 528. The LED light baseassembly 565 includes gasket 550 through which the wires 578 extendsthrough the top portion 551 of the LED light base portion 540A of driverhousing 540. In some embodiments, the gasket 550 is made of silicone.Gasket 550 is used to seal the driver housing 540 to prevent theintrusion of water and/or dirt through the top opening through which thewires 578 extend. See FIGS. 37 and 38. The seal or gasket 550 ispositioned between driver assembly 554 and driver housing 540. In someembodiments the seal or gasket 550 is rectangular in shape.

Diagram 3702 illustrates a cross section view of the driver housing 540including the gasket 550 and showing the openings 553A and 553B in thedriver housing through which the wires 578 extend. Diagram 3704 of FIG.37 illustrates various surfaces and openings of the driver housing 540along with features of the driver housing 540 interior. Among thefeatures illustrated in diagram 3704 are the driver housing top surface551 and the recessed surface 557 into which the gasket 550 is seated.Also shown are the openings 553A and 553B in the driver housing 540through which the wires 578 pass.

Diagram 3802 provides a cross sectional view of various features of thedriver housing 540 including the gasket 550. The openings 553A and 553Bare openings in the housing through which the wires 578 extend. Thegasket 550 seals the wire openings from the intrusion of water and dirt.Diagram 3804 of FIG. 38 shows another view of the driver housing 540with its interior features shown. The top surface 551 is shown alongwith the gasket 550 seated in the driver housing in the recess surface557 shown in Figure 3704.

Returning once again to elements of the light fixture base assembly 565,the LED light base assembly 565 also includes an insulating film 552.The insulating film 552 in some embodiments is made of V0 rated plastic.The insulation film 552 provides heat insulation for the driver that isthe driver circuit of the driver assembly 554. The insulation film 552is positioned between the driver assembly 554 and driver housing surface551 of driving housing 540. The insulating film 552 covers the topportion of the LED driver assembly 554 and a bottom surface of the topportion of the LED driver housing 540.

The LED drive assembly 554 includes a potentiometer 555. In someembodiments, the LED drive assembly 554 includes some or all of theelectrical circuitry 3000 with the exception of the LED described inFIG. 30. In such embodiments, the LED drive assembly 554 includes thecontrol circuit 3001 as shown in FIG. 30D which is used to provide powerto the light source 528 which is the LED 3054 shown in FIG. 30D. Thecontrol circuitry 3001 in some embodiments is included on an integratedcircuit board. In some embodiments, the control circuit 3001 isincorporated into an integrated circuit (IC). In such embodiments, thepotentiometer 555 is the potentiometer 3062 described in the circuit3000 (see FIG. 30D). In some embodiments, the LED drive assembly 554includes some or all of the electrical circuitry of FIG. 30G with theexception of the LED shown. In such embodiments, the potentiometer 555is the potentiometer with reference RV1 shown in FIG. 30G. The dimmingcontrol knob 548 fits into the potentiometer 555 at its controlinterface 555A and when the dimming control knob 548 rotates thepotentiometer control interface 555A rotates. Descriptions of thecircuits 3000, 3001 and 3099 are discussed in detail below in connectionwith FIGS. 30, 30A, 30B, 30C, 30D, 30E, 30F, 30G, and 31. The differentembodiments described may be, and in some embodiments are, used in thedriver assembly 554 with the exception of the LED which is housed in theupper light assembly 533 but is connected to the control circuit bywires 578. In some embodiments, the driver assembly 554 includes acircuit board on which various circuit components such as thepotentiometer 555 are mounted.

Returning once again to FIG. 6B, the LED driver assembly 554 is mountedin the driver assembly mounting bracket 556. The LED driver assemblymounting bracket 556 in some embodiments is made of aluminum. The drivermounting bracket 556 is used to secure the LED driver assembly 554 inplace and allows the driver enclosure cap 560 to attach.

The LED light base assembly 565 further includes an enclosure cap 560inserted into a recess in the bottom of the driver housing 540. The LEDlight base assembly 565 also includes a gasket 558 sometimes referred toas a bottom gasket. In some embodiments, the gasket 558 is made ofsilicone. In this example, the gasket 558 is an O-ring. The bottomgasket 558 is positioned between a top lip of the enclosure cap 550 anda bottom surface of the recess in the bottom of the driver housing 540.The bottom gasket 558 which is an O-ring in this example is used to sealthe driver housing 540 from intrusion of water.

In some embodiments, the enclosure cap 560 is made of cast aluminum. Theenclosure cap 560 is used to close and seal the driving housing 540. Theenclosure cap 560 includes a threaded shaft 561 extending from a bottomof said enclosure cap, the threaded shaft 561 includes an openingthrough which the light fixture power supply wires 575 extend. The wires576 also extend through an opening in the driver mounting bracket 556and are coupled to the LED driver assembly 554 and in some embodimentsthe circuitry 3000 of the driver assembly 554 or the circuitry shown inFIG. 30G. With respect to the circuitry 3000 and the circuitry shown inFIG. 30G, the wires 576 attach to input terminals, e.g., input terminals3002 and 3004 of FIG. 30 or input terminals labeled 12V AC of diagram3099 of FIG. 30G.

The LED light assembly 565 also includes a sealing glue 563 inserted inthe opening in the threaded shaft 561 of the enclosure cap 560 and whichseals said opening through which the light fixture power supply wires576 extend from water entry. In some embodiments, the sealing glue 563is a silicone glue that is applied to seal the fixture at the openingfor the power supply wire entry 576. In some embodiments, the LED lightbase assembly 565 includes sealing glue which fills portions of a cavityin the driver housing 540 in which the LED driver assembly 554 ismounted. The sealing glue providing a water proofing of the driverassembly 554 in addition to the water proofing provided by the use ofthe seal 546, top gasket 550 and bottom gasket 558. In some embodiments,the sealing glue is a silicone material which acts as a potting materialfor the driver assembly and which stabilizes, secures and waterproofsthe driver assembly 554 within the cavity of the driver housing 540.

The LED light base assembly 565 enclosure cap 560 includes a topthreaded portion which is screwed into the driver housing 540 andincludes two screw holes through which driver enclosure cap screws 562extend. The screws 562 secure the driver mounting bracket 556 on whichthe driver assembly 554 is mounted to the enclosure cap 560 therebysecuring the driver assembly 554 in the cavity of the driver housing540. In some embodiments the driver enclosure cap screws 562 are made ofstainless steel. The enclosure cap screws 562 are used to secure theenclosure cap 560 in place. Hole 560A is one of the two holes throughwhich the two enclosure cap screws 562 is extended. The other holethrough which the second enclosure cap screw is extended is not shownbut is located approximately 180 degrees from the hole 560A.

Diagram 3602 of FIG. 36 illustrates a cross sectional view of the driverhousing 540 when it is assembled with the enclosure cap screwed on andit is housing the LED driver and other components. Diagram 3602 showsamong other things the sealing bottom gasket 558, the enclosure cap 560,and the enclosure cap screws 562. Diagram 3604 of FIG. 36 shows thedriver housing 540 with portions 540A and 540B, the sealing gasket 558,the surface on the driver housing 540 into which the gasket 558 fits,the enclosure cap 560 and the enclosure cap screws 562.

Returning once again to FIG. 6B, in some embodiments the driver housing540 includes a mechanical hard stop raised surface or ridge 574 toprevent the over-turning of the potentiometer 555 as previouslydiscussed. In some embodiments, the hard stop ridge 574 is molded intothe driver housing 540.

Referring now briefly to FIGS. 35 and 6B the dimming control knob 548will be discussed further. The dimming control knob 548 includes araised stop tab 3509 on the opposite side, from the face of the dimmingcontrol knob 548, i.e., on the rear side of the knob, that engages themechanical hard stop 574 (see FIG. 6B) in the driver housing 540 whenturned the maximum allowable amount.

The potentiometer 555 is actuated by the dimming control knob 548 toachieve dimming of the light output of the LED fixture. The lowerportion of FIG. 35 includes diagram 548A which illustrates a view of therear side of the dimming knob showing the dimming knob shaft 549 and aridge 549A in the end of the dimming knob shaft 549. The dimming knobshaft end with ridge 549A snaps or is fitted securely into a groove inthe rotatable control 555A of the potentiometer 555. In someembodiments, the dimming knob shaft is secured using glue, a clip or thesecuring device. Diagram 3502 shows the dimming control knob 548 sideview 548A so the back of the dimming control knob is shown with a sealalso sometimes referred to as a gasket 546 fitted onto the dimmingcontrol knob 548. The seal 546 has a tapered shape and can be made ofrubber, silicone or another flexible material which provides awatertight seal while still allowing the knob 548 to rotate.

Turning now from FIG. 35 back to FIG. 6B it is noted that the LED lightbase assembly 565 shown in FIG. 6B and described above can be used in avariety of different lighting fixtures such as for example in LEDlandscape flood light fixtures. Diagram 1600 of FIG. 16 shows the LEDlight base assembly 565 being used in an exemplary LED landscape floodlight though not all of the components are shown in as much detail asdescribed in FIG. 6B.

In an exemplary embodiment of an LED light base assembly (565), the LEDlight base assembly includes a driver housing (540) including a baseportion (540A) including a control knob opening in a wall of the baseportion; an LED driver assembly (554) including a potentiometer (555); asealing O-ring (546); and a dimming control knob (548) including a shaftportion (549) (see FIG. 35), said O-ring (546) being positioned betweena rear side (548A) (see FIG. 35) of said dimming knob 548 and a surface(535) of said wall of the base portion (540A) of the driver housing,said shaft of said dimming control knob (549) being in physical contactwith a rotatable control of said potentiometer (555A), said O-ring (546)providing a water tight seal between the dimming control knob (548) andthe surface of said wall of the base portion (540A) of the driverhousing (540).

In some embodiments, the LED light base portion (540A) of the LED lightbase assembly includes a top portion (551) including a flat surface,said flat surface including a top opening (not shown need figure frombottom view) through which at least a first wire (578) extends, saidfirst wire (578) being coupled to said LED driver assembly (554). Insome embodiments, the LED light base assembly (565) also includes a topgasket (550) through which said wire (578) extends through said topportion of the driver housing (540) for sealing said top opening.

In some embodiments, the LED light base assembly (565) also includes aninsulating film (552) covering a top portion of said LED driverassembly, said top gasket (550) being positioned between the insulatingfilm (552) and a bottom surface of the top portion of the LED driverhousing (540).

In some embodiments, the LED light base assembly (565) also includes anenclosure cap (560) inserted into a recess in the bottom of said driverhousing (540); and a bottom gasket (558), said bottom gasket (558) beingpositioned between a top lip of the enclosure cap and a bottom surfaceof said recess in the bottom of said driver housing (540).

In some embodiments, the enclosure cap (560) of the LED light baseassembly (565) includes a threaded shaft (561) extending from a bottomof the enclosure cap, the threaded shaft including an opening throughwhich at least one light fixture power supply wire (576) extends.

In some embodiments, the LED light base assembly (565) also includes asealing glue (563) inserted in the opening in the threaded shaft (561)of the enclosure cap (560) and sealing said opening through which the atleast one light fixture power supply wire (576) extends from waterentry.

In some embodiments, the sealing glue fills portions of a cavity in saiddriver housing (540) in which said LED driver assembly (554) is mounted,said sealing glue providing water proofing of said driver assembly (554)in addition to the water proofing provided by the use of said sealingO-ring (546), top gasket (550) and bottom gasket (558). In someembodiments of the LED light base assembly (565), the sealing glue is asilicone material which acts as a potting material for said driverassembly (554) and which stabilizes, secures and waterproofs said driverassembly within the cavity of said driver housing (540).

In some embodiments of the LED light base assembly (565), the enclosurecap (560) includes a top threaded portion which is screwed into thedriver housing (540) and includes at least one screw hole through whicha screw (562) extends to secure a driver mounting bracket (556) on whichsaid driver assembly (554) is mounted to the enclosure cap (560) andsecured within the cavity of the driver housing (540).

In some embodiments, the bottom gasket of the LED light base assembly isan O ring (558).

In some embodiments, the sealing O-ring (546), top gasket (550) andbottom gasket (558) of the LED light base assembly are made of siliconeor rubber.

In some embodiments, the LED light base assembly further includes atilting mechanism (538) secured to said driver housing (540) and to alight fixture main body (532), and a tilting mechanism lock screw (542).In some of such embodiments, the LED light base assembly furtherincludes a first tilting mechanism gasket (538) positioned to fit withina recess around an opening of said tilting mechanism through which saidtilting mechanism lock screw extends (542), the first tilting mechanismgasket sealing the LED driver housing (540) and the lilting mechanism(536) from entry of water; and a second tilting mechanism gasket (534)positioned to fit around an opening in a top portion of the tiltingmechanism 538 through which at least one wire extends and to seal saidtilting mechanism (538) from entry of water.

In some embodiments, the second tilting mechanism gasket 534 is furtherpositioned to fit between said tilting mechanism 538 and a fixture mainbody 532, said second tilting mechanism gasket (534) further sealingsaid fixture main body (532) from entry of water.

In an LED landscape light fixture embodiment, the LED landscape lightfixture comprises: an LED light source (528) and an LED light baseassembly (565), said LED light base assembly including: a driver housing(540) including a base portion (540A) including a control knob openingin a wall of the base portion; an LED driver assembly (554) including apotentiometer (555); a sealing O-ring (546); and a dimming control knob(548) including a shaft portion (549) (see FIG. 35) said shaft portionincluding a ridge 549A that snaps into a rotatable control portion 555Aof the potentiometer 555, said O-ring (546) being positioned between arear side (548A need figure) of said dimming knob 548 and a surface(535) of said wall of the base portion (540A) of the driver housing,said shaft of said dimming control knob (549) being in physical contactwith a rotatable control of said potentiometer (555A), said O-ring (546)providing a water tight seal between the dimming control knob (548) andthe surface of said wall of the base portion (540A) of the driverhousing (540). In some embodiments, the LED landscape light fixture is aspot light. In some embodiments, the LED landscape light fixture is aflood light fixture.

In some embodiments in which the LED landscape light fixture is alandscape flood light fixture (1802), the light fixture includes anasymmetric light reflector (1820), said asymmetric light reflectorpositioned in front of said LED light source (1810) and providing anasymmetrical light output distribution (1900) from the light fixture.

FIG. 12 illustrates various features of an exemplary embodiment of a LEDlandscape flood light.

Diagram 1300 of FIG. 13 is a drawing of a side view of the LED landscapeflood light 1200 of FIG. 12 illustrating various features of theexemplary embodiment of the LED landscape flood light. Diagram 1300illustrates that in the exemplary embodiment the fixture is 6⅛ incheshigh measured from the fixture securing nut to the top of the floodlight and 3¾ inches in length.

Diagram 1400 of FIG. 14 is a drawing of a front view of the LEDlandscape flood light 1200 of FIG. 12 illustrating various features ofthe exemplary embodiment of the LED landscape flood light. Diagram 1400shows that the LED light assembly base is 3 inches in height.

Diagram 1500 of FIG. 15 is a drawing of a bottom view of the LEDlandscape flood light 1200 of FIG. 12 illustrating various features ofthe exemplary embodiment of the LED landscape flood light. Diagram 1500shows that flood light width is 4⅜ inches. While various dimensions areshown in the Figures, these dimensions are only exemplary in nature. Forfigures are not drawn to scale as emphasis is placed on explaining theinvention and it should be appreciated that the invention is applicableto fixtures and parts of differing dimensions.

Diagram 1600 of FIG. 16 is a drawing illustrating an exploded of anumber of components of the exemplary LED landscape flood light 1200 ofFIG. 12 showing various features and components of the exemplaryembodiment of the LED landscape flood light. The LED landscape floodlight fixture 1600 includes an upper LED flood light assembly 1633connected to a mounting bracket tilting mechanism 536 of a lower LEDlight assembly 565 also referred to as a LED light base assembly 565.The LED light base assembly 565 is the same as the LED light baseassembly 565 described in connection with landscape spot light LED baseassembly 565 and will not be described in detail again. Diagram 1633 ofFIG. 17 is a drawing illustrating an exploded view of the upper floodlight assembly of the exemplary LED landscape flood light 1200 of FIG.12. The upper LED flood light assembly is secured to the LED light baseassembly 565 with the tilting mechanism mounting bracket 536 also shownin FIG. 18.

Components and features of the upper flood light assembly 1633 will nowbe explained in further detail in connection with FIG. 17. Accessorylens clip 1602 is used to attach the lens accessories to the fixturemain body 1628. One or more of the accessory main clips are used forthis purpose. In the exemplary embodiment shown two accessory lens clipsare utilized. In some embodiments, the accessory lens clips are made ofstainless steel. The accessory lens 1604 is in many but not in all casesmade of glass and is used to change the spectrum of light. The accessorylens 1604 can be made of different colors and in some embodiments ismade of plastic. The fixture main body cover screws 1606 are used tosecure the fixture main body cover in place. In some embodiments, thefixture main body cover screws are made of stainless steel.

Fixture main body cover 1608 is in some embodiments made of castaluminum and is used to secure the main body cover in place. The sealingglass 1610 in some embodiments is made of tempered glass and is use toseal the fixture from environmental conditions while still letting lightpass through it. The sealing glass is translucent. The sealing glass1610 protects the internal components housed in the fixture main body1628 including the light source 1624 and electrical connections to thelight source from entry of water and dirt. The reflector 1612 is used tochange the light beam output pattern of the light source 1624. Thereflector 1612 is in some embodiments made of polycarbonate. In someembodiments the reflector 1612 is symmetrical while in other embodimentsthe reflector is asymmetrical as will be described in further detail inconnection with FIGS. 18 and 19. The light source 1624 is an LED (lightemitting diode) which is a semiconductor that converts electricity tolight. The LED light source 1624 is held in place in a cavity of thefixture main body 1628 by a LED holder 1622. The LED holder 1622 in someembodiments is made of plastic. The LED holder 1622 attaches to thefixture main body and hold the LED light source 1624 in place. The LEDholder may, and in some embodiments is, attached to the fixture mainbody using snaps, screws and/or glue. The fixture main body 1628 is ahousing containing a cavity. The fixture main body 1628 is generallyrectangular in shape and is used to house components of the flood lightupper assembly such as the light emitter 1624. Wires 578 (see FIG. 6B)are threaded through an opening in the bottom of the fixture main body1628 and connected or coupled to the LED light source 1624.

The gasket 1626 is used as a seal between the fixture main body 1628 andthe fixture main body cover 1608. In some embodiments, the gasket 1626is made of a silicone material. The gasket 1626 prevents the intrusionof water and dirt into the fixture main body 1628 protecting thecomponents inside including the LED 1624. The LED protection layer glass1620 is made of glass and protects the LED from potential moisturebuild-up. The gasket 1618 is used to seal the LED protection layer 1620and in some embodiments is made of silicone. The LED protection layerfaceplate 1616 is used secure the LED protection layer and gasket 1618in place. The LED protection screws 1614 are used to secure the LEDprotection layer faceplate to the fixture main body 1628. In someembodiments, the LED protection plate screws are made of stainlesssteel. As previously explained the upper flood light assembly is securedto the tilting mechanism bracket 536 of the lower light assembly 565.The tilting mechanism 536 extends into the fixture main body 1628through an opening in the bottom surface of the fixture main body 1628and is secured to the fixture main body 1628 using one or more screws.One or more seals 536, e.g., a gaskets are used to seal the openingthrough which the tilting mechanism extends into the cavity of thefixture main body 1628. In the same manner as described in connectionwith the flood light 100. In some embodiments, at least a portion of thefixture main body 1628 is filled with a silicone material to seal thehousing of the fixture main body and protect the components such as theLED light emitter 1624 fixed in the fixture main body cavity from damagedue to the entry of water and dirt. The hole or holes through which thewires 578 enter the fixture main body 1628 are sealed from the intrusionof water and dirt using a gasket, O-ring and/or silicone material suchas silicone glue.

Diagram 1800 of FIG. 18 is a drawing illustrating a front view of anexemplary embodiment of a landscape flood light with an asymmetricreflector. Diagram 1802 of FIG. 18 is a drawing illustrating a crosssectional view of section A-A of the landscape flood light 1802 with ascale of 1:1.5. The asymmetric reflector 1820 is position in front ofthe LED light source 1810 to so that light the flood light fixtureproduces an asymmetrical light pattern. Diagram 1900 of FIG. 19 is anasymmetrical light distribution chart for the landscape flood light1802. One of the benefits of the use of the asymmetric reflector is thesuperior light distribution. The asymmetric projection of light providedby the landscape flood light 1802 with asymmetric reflector 1820distributes light in a superior manner so that it covers a wide area ofthe ground to ensure safety with maximum efficiency.

Diagram 1900 of FIG. 19 will now be described in further detail. Diagram1900 is a polar luminous intensity graph or chart that illustrates thedistribution of luminous intensity, in candelas, for the transverse(solid line) and axial (dashed line) planes of the landscape flood lightwith an asymmetric light reflector. The LED light fixture is located atthe center and the lines radiating out from the center depict the anglesand concentric lines depict the decreasing luminous intensity. The curveshows the asymmetric distribution of light that will be produced by thelandscape flood light with the asymmetric light reflector. Reference1906 identify the units are in cd (candelas). The average beam angle(50%): 65.8 degrees. The reference 1902 points to the polar graph.Reference 1904 points to the −/+180 degree position on the graph.Reference numbers 1906, 1908, 1910 are the legend for the graph. Thereference 1906 indentifies that the units are cd (candelas). Thereference 1908 identifies that the solid line (transverse plane) 1930shown on the graph is for c0/180, 83.3 degrees and that the reference1910 indicates that the dashed line (axial plane) 1920 shown on thegraph is for c90/270, 48.2 degrees.

Diagram 2000 of FIG. 20 is a drawing illustrating various features of anexemplary embodiment of a LED landscape inground light fixture.

Diagram 2100 of FIG. 21 is a drawing of a top view of the LED landscapeinground light fixture 2000 shown in FIG. 20 illustrating variousfeatures of the exemplary embodiment of the LED inground light fixture.Diagram 2100 illustrates that in the exemplary embodiment the fixturehas a diameter of 4⅝ inches.

Diagram 2200 of FIG. 22 is a drawing of a side view of the LED landscapeinground light fixture 2000 of FIG. 20. In the exemplary embodiment thefixture is 6¼ inches high.

While various dimensions are shown in the Figures, these dimensions areonly exemplary in nature. The figures are not drawn to scale as emphasisis placed on explaining the invention and the invention is applicable tofixtures and parts of differing dimensions.

Diagram 2300 of FIG. 23 is a drawing illustrating an exploded view ofthe exemplary LED landscape inground light fixture also referral to asan LED landscape inground light assembly 2000 of FIG. 20 showing thedetails of various features and components of the exemplary embodimentof the LED landscape inground light. Various components of the LEDlandscape in ground light assembly 2300, also referred to as lightfixture 2300, will now be described with reference to FIG. 23.

The LED landscape inground fixture 2300 includes structures for on-boardlight beam angle control, beam direction control, and control of wattageadjustments. In some embodiments, a user can adjust the light beam angleto be one of a plurality of different predetermined settings, e.g., a 15degree, 30 degree, 45 degree or 60 degree setting allowing the lightbeam angle to be set from a spot position to a flood position. In otherembodiments other beam angle changes are possible. By using fixedsettings, a user can easily configure a plurality of lights 2300 to thesame setting for an installation and obtain predictable results.

In addition to beam angle settings, the light fixture 2300 supports aplurality of different light output and/or wattage settings. In someembodiments, a user can adjust the wattage from 2 to 16 while thefixture is allowed to operate in a range of 9-15 volts AC or DC withthese ranges being exemplary and not limiting.

The LED landscape inground assembly 2300 includes seals, e.g., gaskets(flat or custom shaped to match the objects or specific surfaces to besealed), O rings and/or other flexible shaped seals. One or more of theseals may be, and in some embodiments are, made of silicone materialwith the seal or seals protecting the light fixture from the intrusionof water and dirt thereby providing a water proof or water resistantfixture which is also resistant to dirt. The use of LEDs as the lightsource provides a cost and energy savings over the use of other lightsources such as incandescent bulbs and provides multiple lumen outputranges comparable to 10 W-75 W MR 16 halogen lights.

An LED landscape inground light, implemented in accordance with one ormore features, may and in some embodiments is used to provide accentlighting. The accent lighting in such a case may be and often isdirectional lighting that draws attention to a displayed object such asfor example a statue or tree, or surface, or to highlight, dramatize,and focus attention on a defined space such as a garden or position on amonument or stage. The LED landscape inground light may also be used toilluminate defined spaces such as walk ways, entrance ways, driveways,roads, gardens, fields, play areas, and pools. In such applications itmay be desirable to set multiple light fixtures 2300 to the same beamangle setting and arrange the light fixtures in a row or predeterminedpattern with the ability to set the light fixtures to fixed beam anglesand/or wattage settings allowing for a flexible use of the lights withpredictable lighting results.

The light fixture 2300 includes face plate screws 2302, rock guardaccessory 2304, fixture housing cover 2306, fixture housing seal 2308,e.g., a gasket, transparent seal 2310, e.g., sealing glass, accessorylens 2312, a movable light assembly 2313 which includes a retainer nut2314, a beam angle changing lens 2316, a beam angle changing dial 2318,a lens retainer 2320, e.g., snap ring or clip, a LED holder 2322, alight source 2324 which in this exemplary embodiment is a LED, a tiltingmechanism screw 2326, a tilting mechanism 2328 and an upper fixture mainbody 2330 arranged as shown in FIG. 23. In some embodiments the beamangle changing lens 2316 has an outer flange and is inserted into thebeam angle changing dial 2318 from the bottom with the flange of thebeam angle changing lens 2316 being placed against a bottom of a flangeat the top of the beam angle changing dial 2318 with the retaining snap2320 being placed in a grove in the inside wall of the beam anglechanging dial 2318 holding the lens 2316 securely against the bottom ofthe flange located at the top of the beam angle changing dial 2318. Thebeam angle changing dial 2318 includes pins extending out from the sidesof the dial 2318 which can be used to support the beam angle changingdial 2318 in horizontal slots 2405 in the sidewall of the upper mainfixture body 2330. Thus in some embodiments the beam angle changing dial2318 has at least one or more guide pins 2319 (see FIG. 24) which can bemoved in beam angle changing channels, also referred to as horizontalslots 2405 and vertical slots 2403 of the upper fixture main body 2330.

The light fixture 2300 further includes a lower fixture main body 2332which supports the movable light assembly 2313 in one of a plurality oftilt positions depending on the user setting of the tilt angle.

The beam angle changing dial 2318 of the movable light assembly 2313,also sometimes referred to a beam angle control dial 2318, is made ofcast aluminum but other materials such as plastic may be used.

The beam angle changing dial 2318 houses the element to be moved whichas discussed with regard to other embodiments can be either the beamangle changing lens 2316 or the LED light emitter 2324 and enables therelative distance between the LED light source and the beam anglechanging lens to vary by moving up or down in the upper fixture mainbody 2330. Accordingly, the element held in the beam angle changing dialis retained in the dial by retainer clip 2320. The retainer nut 2314 isin some embodiments made of aluminum. The beam angle changing lens 2316is in most but not all embodiments is made of plastic but can be made ofother materials such as for example glass. The retainer nut 2314 isshown in this exemplary embodiment as holding the beam angle changinglens 2316 in place. The beam angle changing lens 2316 changes the focusof the light when the distance between it and the light source ischanged for example when the beam angle changing lens 2316 is moved upor down in the upper fixture main body 2330 relative to a fixed LEDlight source 2324. In some embodiments, the upper fixture main body 2330is made of cast aluminum but other material such as for example plasticmay and in some embodiments is used.

The light source 2324 in each of the various embodiments convertselectrical energy (electricity) into light. In this example the lightsource is a light emitting diode, such as for example a semiconductorLED. In some embodiments, the light source is an LED that operates onlow voltage for example 12V or 24V. In some embodiment the light outputis white light and reaches an output of up to 900 lumens orapproximately 900 lumens. In some particular embodiments, the LEDproduces a warm white light 2700K Correlated Color Temperature (CCT) orapproximately 2700K CCT. In some embodiments, the LED light sourceproduces a pure white light 3000K CCT or approximately 3000 CCT. In someembodiments, the LED is an Organic LED (OLED). In some embodiments, thelight source is a combined LED and OLED. In some embodiments, the lightsource is a polymer light-emitting diode (PLED). The light source 2324in some embodiments is an LED module or assembly including a pluralityof separate LEDs that produce light.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 23 the beam angle changing dial 2318houses the beam angle changing lens 2316. After the beam angle changingdial 2318 with the beam angle changing lens 2316 mounted therein isinserted into the slots of the upper fixture main body 2330 the lop ofthe vertical slots 2403 (see FIG. 24) are closed off by screwing theretaining nut 2314 onto threads 2417 at the top of the fixture main bodyportion 2330.

The light fixture 2300 further includes a lower fixture main body 2332.The lower fixture main body 2332 is in most but not all embodiments madeof cast aluminum. The lower fixture main body 2332 supports the upperfixture main body 2330 at one of a plurality of tilt angles which areselectable by a user. The tilt angles may be 0 degrees, 15 degrees, etc.

The lower fixture main body 2332 also houses an LED driver assembly 2336which can be used to set the wattage and/or light output of the LEDlight source 2324 to which the LED driver assembly 2336 supplies power.

A control knob 2334 is positioned on the lower side portion of the lowerfixture main body 2332 and has a drive or shaft portion which extendsthrough an opening in the lower fixture main body 2332 and interfaceswith and mechanically drives a movable element of a potentiometer on theLED driver assembly 2336. The knob 2334 may be, and in some embodimentsis, the same as or similar to the knob 548 shown and described in FIGS.6B, 16 and 35. The LED driver assembly 2336 may be and in someembodiments is the same as or similar to the LED driver assembly 554shown and described with regard to FIGS. 6B and 16. A seal 546 shown inFIG. 35 is used in some embodiments to seal the lower fixture main body2332 at the point the shaft of the knob 2334 passes through the lowerfixture main body and comes into contact with the movable element of thepotentiometer of the LED driver assembly 2336. The seal may be and insome embodiments is the same or similar to the seal 546 shown in FIG.35.

The movable light assembly 2313 is mounted in the lower fixture mainbody 2332 which has the LED driver assembly 2336 mounted in its base.Wires from the LED driver assembly extend from the LED driver assemblythrough the bottom of the movable light assembly 2313 to supply power tothe LED light source 2324 mounted in the bottom of the fixture main body2330 which is tilt-able. The lower portion of the base through whichwires enter and in which the LED driver assembly 2336 is located issealed from the bottom in some embodiments with silicone glue forwaterproofing purposes. Thus, where wires pass through a hole in thebottom of lower fixture main body 2332 and extend to the LED driverassembly 2336 to which they are electrically connected to provide powerto the driver assembly 2336, the lower fixture main body 2332 is sealedwith glue with the driver assembly 2336 being potted, e.g., set into,the glue to provide a water tight seal at the bottom of the lowerfixture main body 2332. The movable light assembly 2313 and lowerfixture main body 2332 is inserted into a fixture housing 2338 which insome embodiments is in the form of a firmed cylinder that is closed onthe bottom and has a flange on the top to which the fixture housingcover 2306 can be secured with screws 2302. In some embodiments O rings2340 are placed around an upper portion of the fixture housing body 2338to form a water tight seal against the walls of a container, e.g.,fixture pot which may be set in concrete, into which the light fixture2300 may be inserted. Wires may and in some embodiments do pass throughan electrical connector 2344 with a locking nut that may be and in someembodiments is threaded into a hole located in the bottom of the housingbody 2338. The electrical connector 2344 may be and sometimes is in theform of a hollow threaded shift, rubber seal and locking nut. The wiresproviding power to the fixture pass through the hollow threaded shaftwhich is inserted into and secured to a hole in the bottom of thefixture housing 2338, e.g., by a nut or thread. The wires pass throughthe rubber washer or seal which is compressed around the wires as thelocking nut is tightened onto the threaded shaft of the connector 2344.The use of the seal is optional with the silicone glue alone being usedin some embodiments to seal the connector. The seal and/or silicone glueseal the electrical connector 2344 and sealing the bottom opening in thehousing body 2338 through which the electrical power supply wires passbefore reaching the LED driver assembly 2336. In some embodiments anoptional pressure equalizer 2342 is inserted into the bottom of thehousing 2338 allowing gas and air to vent between the fixture housing2338, which is sealed by the translucent seal 2310 (e.g., glass seal)and cover seal 2308, and the external environment or interior of amounting canister in which the light fixture 2300 may be placed. Thepressure equalizer 2342 allows pressure to equalize between the insideof the fixture housing 2338 and exterior of the fixture housing 2338.Diagram 3400 of FIG. 34 illustrates various different perspective viewsof an exemplary optional pressure equalizer 2342. The pressure equalizer2342 in one embodiment is a screw 3402 (cross sectional side view shown)with one or more vent holes covered by a semi-permeable fabric 3403 thatallows air to pass through but does not allow other particles such aswater and dirt from passing through. In one such embodiment, thesemi-permeable fabric is made of polytetrafluoroethylene material. Thescrew shaft is sealed against the housing of the lighting fixture with aseal 3404. Various perspective views (top views 3406, side view 3408, atop cross section view 3416 showing the semi-permeable fabric 3403inside the cap of the screw, the cap including vents, and angledperspective views 3410 and 3414 are illustrated.

The arrangement and function of various elements of the light fixtureassembly 2300 will now be explained in greater detail.

The optional rock guard accessory 2304 in some embodiments is made ofaluminum. In some other embodiments the rock guard accessory 2304 ismade of brass. The rock guard accessory 2304 protect the elements of thefixture beneath the guard 2304 from possible damage that may be causedby small rocks, gravel and pebbles. The rock guard accessory 2304, whenused, is secured to the top flange of the fixture housing 2338 withscrews 2302 which pass through the rock guard assembly 2304 and cover2306 and into threaded holes in the flange located in the fixturehousing 2338. When not used the screws 2302 secure the cover 2306 to thetop flange of the fixture housing 2338.

The face plate screws 2302 in some embodiments are made of stainlesssteel and as explained are used to secure external accessories such asfor example rock guard 2304 and/or glare control accessories including aglare shield 2348 to the fixture housing 2338. The face plate screws2302 may extend through holes or slots in the accessory, through holes mthe fixture housing cover 2306 also referred to as a face plate and intoa threaded portions, e.g., holes, in the top flange of the fixturehousing 2338.

Optional glare and light shaping or patterning accessories including theglare shield 2348, snoot accessory 2350, cross louver accessory 2352,and light pattern accessory 2354 can be secured to the fixture housing2338 using face plate screws 2302. In many but not all embodiments,these accessories are made from either aluminum or brass and aretypically used in place of the rock guard accessory. The glare shield2348, snoot accessory 2350 and cross louver accessory 2352 are used tocontrol glare and/or shield the light output of the light fixture toachieve a desired lighting effect. The light pattern accessory is anaccessory which when the light from light source passes through createsa light pattern.

While various accessories may be placed over the cover 2306, protectiveglass 2310 which is mounted in a groove of the seal 2308 is used to sealthe top of the fixture housing. When the cover 2306 is secured to theflange of the fixture housing 2338 it compresses the seal 2308 andforces it out against the inner sidewall of the fixture housing 2338 aswell as against the top of the fixture housing 2338 and the bottom ofthe cover 2306. In this manner the seal 2308 into which the protectiveglass 2310 is inserted seals the top opening of the fixture housing 2338with the movable tillable light assembly 2313 and lower fixture body2332 inside.

In some embodiments an optional accessory lens 2312 is used to controlor select the spectrum of the light emitted from the light fixture 2300.The accessory lens may be and in some embodiments is positioned beneaththe protective cover glass 2310 above the beam changing lens 2316. Theaccessory lens 2312 may sit over the locking nut 2314. In someembodiments the accessory lens 2312 is made of colored glass. In someother embodiments, the accessory lens 2312 is made of plastic. Theaccessory lens 2312 in some embodiments acts as a color filter allowinglight of the desired color to pass out of the light fixture but blockslight of other colors by filtering out the undesired colors.

The transparent seal 2310 in some embodiments is tempered glass. Thetransparent seal 2310 seals and protects the light fixture fromenvironmental conditions such as the entry of water and/or dirt that maydamage the internal components In some embodiments, translucent plasticis used for the transparent seal 2310 instead of tampered glass.

Box 2346 illustrates several exemplary optional accessories for thespotlight fixture including glare shield accessory 2348, snoot accessory2350, cross louver accessory 2352 and light pattern accessory 2354 whichmay be used in place of or in combination with the rock guard accessory2304. One or more of the accessories may be, and in some embodimentsare, used with inground fixture 2000. Other external accessories such ashoods and grills may, and in some embodiments are, used with the lightfixture and can be replaced without affecting the water tight seal ofthe fixture. In some embodiments, one or more of these accessories mayreplace the rock guard accessory which is an optional component of thelight fixture 2000. The accessories are secured using face plate screws2302.

The light fixture 2300 and the adjustments which can be made will now beexplained further with reference to FIG. 24 which shows various elementsof the light fixture 2300 in greater detail. Elements which are the samein FIG. 24 as FIG. 23 are identified using the same reference numbers.

In FIG. 24 the retaining nut 2314 which can be screwed onto the threadportion 2417 at the top of the upper fixture main body 2330 can be seenpositioned over the changing dial 2318 in which the beam changing lens2316 is mounted. The beam angle changing dial 2318 includes pins 2319,e.g., one per side, which extend out from the wall of the beam anglechanging dial 2318. The pins 2319 support the beam angle changing dial2318 in one of the horizontal slots 2405. Thus, as the pair of pins 2319are held in a pair of horizontal slots 2405 on different sides of theupper fixture main body the element holder beam angle changing dial 2318and therein the movable light assembly 2313 will be held incorresponding horizontal slots 2405 positioned at the same distance fromthe bottom of upper fixture main body 2330. The side wall 2404 is theside wall of the vertical slot 2403.

To change the beam angle, a user moves the beam angle changing dial 2318so that the pins 2319 can travel along the vertical slots 2403 to reachthe horizontal slots 2405 corresponding to a desired beam angle setting.For example, the horizontal slot 2401 is used for a 60 degree beam anglesetting. The end of each horizontal slot is elongated. Reference numeral2407 points to the elongated end of the horizontal slot for 15 degrees.The beam angle setting is indicated by a corresponding beam angleindication 2408, 2410, 2412, 2414 printed, engraved or otherwiseindicated on the outside of the upper fixture main body 2330. By movingthe pins from one horizontal slot to another the beam angle can bechanged. In some embodiments the beam angle indicators 2418, 2416 arealso included on the inside wall of the upper fixture main body 2330.During adjustment the user can see the beam angle indicators marked onthe outside of the upper fixture main body 2330 and once assembled cansee the markers on the inside of the fixture main body 2330 by lookingdown through the top of the fixture 2300 and the lens 2316. Thus, evenwhen assembled in some embodiments a user can see the beam angle towhich the light fixture 2300 has been set.

Once the pins 2319 are aligned in the vertical slots 2403 with thehorizontal slots 2405 corresponding to the desired beam angle settingthe user rotates the beam angle holder 2318 by hand moving the pins 2319into the horizontal slots 2405 corresponding to the desired beam angle.Notably, the end of the horizontal slots is enlarged relating to theportion adjacent the vertical slots. The O rings 2321 compress whilepassing through the narrow portion of the horizontal slots 2405 whileenlarging slightly when reaching the end of the slots to hold the pins2319 snugly and securely at the end of the horizontal slots 2405. Onceset at the desired position the O rings 2321 serve to keep the pins 2319at the end of the slots 2405 while also protecting the element holder2318 from minor vibrations through a dampening effect. Cooling fins 2402are included at the bottom of the upper fixture main body 2330 to helpin dissipating heat generated by the LED light source 2324 mounted inthe bottom of the upper fixture main body 2330

Illustration 2448 shows the various components shown on the left side ofFIG. 24 in assembled form with the beam angle changing dial pins 2319set in the horizontal slot corresponding to the 60 degree beam angleposition indicated by marker 2414. The beam angle changing dial 2318 canbe rotated horizontally and be moved up and down vertically within theupper fixture main body 2330 with the guide pins 2319 of the beam anglechanging dial 2318 moving along the horizontal slots 2405 and verticalslots 2403 of the upper fixture main body 2330 as indicated by thecurved arrows identified by reference number 2465.

FIG. 25A through 25D illustrate the movable light assembly 2313 of thelight fixture 2300 set at different beam angles.

FIG. 25A shows an illustration 2502 of the movable light assembly 2313set at 15 degrees producing a light beam output 2504 of 15 degrees. Notethat the distance D1 2506 between the beam angle changing lens 2316 andthe light source 2324 is relatively large resulting in a narrow 15degree beam angle.

FIG. 25B shows an illustration 2522 of the movable light assembly 2313set at 30 degrees producing a 30 degree light beam output 2524. Notethat the distance D2 2526 between the beam angle changing lens 2316 andthe light source 2324 is relatively large, but smaller than D1,resulting in a 30 degree beam angle of emitted light.

FIG. 25C shows an illustration 2532 of the movable light assembly 2313set at 45 degrees producing a 45 degree light beam output 2534. Notethat the distance D3 2536 between the beam angle changing lens 2316 andthe light source 2324 is small, i.e., smaller than D1 and D2, resultingin a 45 degree beam angle of emitted light.

FIG. 25D shows an illustration 2542 of the movable light assembly 2313set at 60 degrees producing a 60 degree light beam output 2544. Notethat the distance D4 2546 between the beam angle changing lens 2316 andthe light source 2324 is set to the smallest supported setting, i.e., D4is smaller than D1, D2 and D3, resulting in a 60 degree beam angle ofemitted light.

FIGS. 26A through 26D shows an exemplary movable light assembly 2313′which can be used in the inground light fixture shown in Figure 2300 inplace of the movable light assembly 2313. The construction of themovable light assembly 2313′ is similar to that of the assembly 2313 butwith beam angle changing lens 2316 being set at a fixed position at thetop of the movable light assembly 2313′ and with the light emitter 2324being mounted in the movable element holder held in the horizontal slotsof the upper fixture main body 2330 at a position determined based onthe desired beam angle.

FIG. 26A shows an illustration 2602 of the movable light assembly 2313′set at 15 degrees producing a light beam output 2604 of 15 degrees. Notethat the distance D1 2606 between the beam angle changing lens 2316 andthe light source 2324 is relatively large resulting in a narrow 15degree beam angle.

FIG. 26B shows an illustration 2622 of the movable light assembly 2313′set at 30 degrees producing a light beam output 2624 of 30 degrees. Notethat the distance D2 2626 between the beam angle changing lens 2316 andthe light source 2324 is relatively large, but smaller than D1,resulting in a 30 degree beam angle of emitted light.

FIG. 26C shows an illustration 2632 of the movable light assembly 2313′set at 45 degrees producing a light beam output 2634 of 45 degrees. Notethat the distance D3 2636 between the beam angle changing lens 2316 andthe light source 2324 is small, i.e., smaller than D1 and D2, resultingin a 45 degree beam angle of emitted light.

FIG. 26D shows an illustration 2642 of the movable light assembly 2313′set at 60 degrees producing a light beam output 2644 of 60 degrees. Notethat the distance D4 2546 between the beam angle changing lens 2316 andthe light source 2324 is set to the smallest supported setting, i.e., D4is smaller than D1, D2 and D3, resulting in a 60 degree beam angle ofemitted light.

FIG. 27 illustrates various features of the exemplary embodiment of aLED landscape in ground light fixture 2000 shown in FIG. 23. Illustratedin FIG. 27 are light beam aiming features, e.g., tilt, mechanisms thatallow the upper fixture main body 2330 to be supported and held at oneof a plurality of user selectable tilt angles. The tilting of the upperfixture main body 2330 is made possible by supporting the upper fixturemain body 2330 using pivot screws 2710, 2712 which pass through supportarms 2713, 2715, respectively, at or near a center portion 2708 of theindividual support arms. As the screws pass through the support arms2713, 2715 of the lower fixture main body 2332 and into pivot holes 2702(one on each side of the upper fixture main body 2330), they becomepivots, one per side, around which the upper fixture main body 2330 canbe rotated, e.g., tilted, +/−20 degrees as shown in the FIG. 27embodiment. In some embodiments while pivot screws 2710, 2712 arethreaded at the tip, the threads stop before reaching the screw's headso that the shaft of the screw is smooth at the point where the sides ofthe 2713, 2715 of the lower fixture main body make contact with thescrews facilitating a smooth pivoting action. The tilting mechanism 2328acts as a spring loaded stop to hold the upper fixture main body 2330 atthe tilt angle to which it is set.

Tilting mechanism 2328 includes a screw 2326, a stopper bracket 2329, astop 2706 in the form of a button or ball, and a spring 2704. Onetilting mechanism is on mounted on each side of the upper fixture mainbody 2330 as can be seen in illustration 2730. Thus the lighting fixtureincludes both a first tilting mechanism 2328 and a second tiltingmechanism 2328 one per side.

The screw 2326 secures the tilting mechanism stop 2328 to the side ofthe upper fixture main body to which it is secured as shown in views2730 and in more detail view 2740. The button 2706 is pressed outward byspring 2704 and protrudes slightly from a hole in the stopper bracket2329 used to hold the button 2706 and spring 2704. The button 2706 underspring tension will extend into one of the tilt holes 2714 holding theupper fixture main body 2330 at the tilt angle corresponding to the holeinto which the button 2706 extends. A plurality of tilt angle holes canbe seen in illustration 2720 with the center hole corresponding to a 0degree tilt setting, the holes adjacent to the center hole correspondingto +/−10 degree tilt setting and the outer most holes corresponding to+/−20 degree settings respectively. As a user tilts the upper fixturemain body to change tilt positions the button will be forced inwardagainst the spring 2704 and pop out once again when aligned with anothertilt hole. Thus through the use of a simple button and spring mechanismtilting of the main fixture body can be supported while also allowingfor a secure retaining of the tilt position once the desired tiltposition is achieved.

Each support arm 2713, 2715 of the lower fixture main body includes avertical grove extending down from the top through the pivot point tothe 0 degree tilt hole of the set of tilt holes 2714. This facilitatesinsertion of the upper fixture main body with the tilting mechanism 2328with the stop 2328 guided by the center inside slot of the support arms2713, 2715 facilitating insertion of the upper fixture main body withone of the tilting stop mechanism 2328 secured to each side.

In some embodiments the side surfaces of the upper fixture main body inwhich the pivot holes 2702 are located so that once inserted into thelower fixture main body they make thermal contact with the sides of thesupport arms 2713, 2715 facilitating heat transfer from the LED lightsource mounted in the upper fixture main body 2330 through the supportarms and down to the cooling fins located at the bottom and along thesides of the lower fixture main body. Mounted m the lower fixture mainbody is a power/light control indicated by the reference 2317 whichincludes a control knob which makes contact with a power control module.The control knob and power control module maybe the same or similar tothe one described with respect to the FIG. 5 spotlight embodiment.

The power control knob 2317 and wattage setting indicators is positionedat the bottom of the lower fixture main body and maybe the same orsimilar to the power control knob and power control module shown andused in the FIG. 6B spotlight embodiment.

FIG. 28 shows various views of an assembled exemplary in-ground lightfixture, such as the fixture 2300 with the cover 2306 secured to thefixture housing 2338. Illustration 2800 is a perspective view showingthe cover and a portion of the fixture housing 2338. Illustration 2802is a top view of the in-ground light fixture in which the cover 2306 canbe seen. Illustration 2804 is a side view of the light fixture 2300 inwhich the cover 2306 and fixture housing 2338 can be seen. In this viewO rings 2340, electrical connector 2334 and pressure equalizing plug2342 can be seen. Exemplary dimensions, in inches, are also shown inFIG. 28. Such dimensions are exemplary and not intended to be limiting.

FIG. 29 is a drawing illustrating an exemplary embodiment of a landscapeinground light fixture such as the one shown in FIG. 23, when used incombination with a concrete pour canister 2910. Use of the concrete pourcanister is optional but is well suited for applications where theinground light fixture is to be set into concrete. The concrete pourcanister 2910 may be set in place with electrical conduit and powerlines run to one or more of the electrical connector openings which areshown at the bottom of the canister 2910 and plugged. Concrete can bepoured around the canister 2910 and the light fixture 2300 subsequentlyinserted into the canister from above. Concrete walkways around poolsare an example of one location where the canister 2910 and lightingfixture 2300 may be used in combination. Illustration 2902 shows thelight fixture 2300 inserted in to the canister 2910 with the face plate2306 showing while illustration 2904 shows a top view of the canister2910 with the in-ground light fixture inserted in the canister.Illustration 2908 shows the exemplary light fixture 2300 being placedinto canister 2910. O rings 2340 near the top of the fixture housing ofthe light fixture 2300 will seal against the sidewall of the canister2910 into which the light fixture 2300 is inserted thereby providingprotection against water and dirt entry into the canister 2910 whilealso helping to secure the light fixture in the canister 2910 in amanner that still allows for easy removal and access to the wires at thebottom of the canister 2910 which are used to supply power to the lightfixture 2300. Illustration 2906 is a side view of the inground lightingfixture 2300 and canister 2910 assembled as a unit.

FIG. 32 illustrates a cross sectional view 3200 and various features ofan exemplary embodiment of an LED landscape inground light fixture suchas the fixture 2300 of FIG. 23 with blowups 3202, 3204, 3206 being usedto show particular features in greater detail. Blow up 3202 shows thevertical and horizontal slots used to allow for beam angle adjustment bychanging the horizontal slots in which the support pins 2319 of the beamangle changing dial 2318 are positioned. Slots of the type shown inillustration 3202 are found on each side of the upper fixture main body2330. Illustration 3206 shows the tilting angle holes which would bepresent on the side of the upper fixture main body at the location towhich illustration 3206 corresponds. Illustration 3204 shows theillumination control knob as viewed from the exterior of the ingroundlight fixture 2300 and the arrow indicating the current position settingcan be seen. By turning the knob and thus the arrow indicator to theright, light output of the fixture can be increased as indicated bythe + symbol and by turning the knob to the left the light output can bedecreased as indicated by the − symbol. Wires 3208 are shown enteringthe light fixture at the bottom and extending through connector 2344.While the full upper portion of wires 3208 are not shown in FIG. 32, thewires extend to input terminals on the lower portion of the driverassembly 2336 which in turn has wires which extend up through the lowerand upper main fixture body portions 2332, 2330 to the light emittingelement 2324 to supply power thereto.

Electrical circuits for LED light fixtures will now be described inconnection with FIGS. 30, 30A, 30B, 30C, 30D, 30E, 30F, 30G, and 31.These electrical circuits provide on-board dimming capabilities andallow the LED light fixtures to operate over a range of DC and AC inputvolts such as for example 9V to 12V without compromising the LED lightoutput. The circuits also can operate equally well from 12 V AC or 12 VDC input supplied from either a magnetic transformer or an electronictransformer.

The LED driver assembly of the spotlight, flood light and inground lightfixtures previously described may be, and in some embodiments is, one ormore of the circuits described in connection with FIGS. 30, 30A, 30B,30C, 30D, 30E, 30F, 30G and 31. The LED in such circuits being the LEDlight sources in each of those fixtures with the circuits beingconnected via wires to the LED. In such embodiments, the potentiometer555 is the potentiometer described in the dimming control circuit andthe dimming control knob 548 fits into the potentiometer control 555A sothat when the dimming control knob 548 is rotated, the potentiometercontrol 555A is also rotated thereby changing a portion of theresistance of the circuit in which the potentiometer is included whichresults in a change in the current and power supplied to the LED of thelight fixture.

FIG. 30 is a schematic drawing of an exemplary LED circuit 3000 inaccordance with an exemplary embodiment. Exemplary LED circuit 3000includes first and second AC, input power source terminals (3002, 3004),fuse F1 3006, metal varistor MVR1 3008, diode bridge (D1-D4) 3010including four individual diodes (D1, D2, D3, D4) coupled together toform a full wave rectifier bridge, capacitors (C1 3012, C2 3014, C31016, C4 3018), inductor L1 3024, capacitor C5 3026, Zener diode ZD13028, resistor R8 3030, resistor R4 3020, Zener diode ZD3 3022, IC Q13032, capacitor C6 3034, diode D5 3038, diode D6 3036, resistor R9 3040,Zener diode ZD2 3042, resistor R7 3046, capacitor C7 3048, capacitor C83050, resistor R3 3044, resistor R2 3052, resistor R1 3056, dimmingcontrol circuit 3058, LED 3054 and ground 3070, coupled together asshown in FIG. 30. The dimming control circuit 3058 includes a transistorQ2 3060, a resistor R5 3068, a resistor R6 3064, a capacitor C10 3066,and a potentiometer 3062 coupled together as shown in FIG. 30.

First AC input power source terminal 3002 is coupled to a first lead offuse F1 3006. A second lead of fuse F1 3006, a first lead of metalvaristor MVR1 3008, and a first input lead of diode bridge 3010 arecoupled together. Second AC input power source terminal 3004, a secondlead of metal varistor MVR1 3008 and a second input of diode bridge 3010are coupled together. The high output lead (cathode side) of diodebridge 3010, the + lead of capacitor C1 3012, the + lead of capacitor C23014, the + lead of capacitor C3 3016, the + lead of capacitor C4 3018,a first lead of inductor L1 3024, a first lead of capacitor C5 3026, afirst lead of resistor R4 3020, the cathode lead of Zener diode ZD13028, and lead 4 (VIN) of IC Q1 3032 are coupled together. The lowoutput lead (anode side) of diode bridge 3010, the − lead of capacitorC1 3012, the − lead of capacitor C2 3014, the − lead of capacitor C33016, the − lead of capacitor C4 3018, a second lead of capacitor C53026, a first lead of resistor R8 3030, lead 1 (GND) of IC Q1 3032, anda first lead of resistor R9 3040 are coupled together and are coupled tocircuit ground 3070. The anode lead of Zener diode ZD1 3028, second leadof resistor R8 3030 and lead 2 (EN) of IC Q1 3032 are coupled together.

A second lead of inductor L1 3024, lead 3 (SW) of IC Q1 3032, a firstlead of capacitor C6 3034, the anode lead of diode D6 3036, and theanode lead of diode D5 3038 are coupled together. The second lead ofcapacitor C6 3034 is coupled to the second lead of resistor R9 3040. Thecathode side of diode D6 3036, the cathode side of diode D5 3038, thecathode side of Zener diode ZD2 3042, the + lead of capacitor C7 3048, afirst lead of capacitor C8 3050, and the anode lead of LED 3054 arecoupled together. Lead 5 (FB) of IC Q1 3032, the anode side of Zenerdiode ZD2 3042, a first lead of resistor R7 3046, and a first lead ofresistor R3 3044 are coupled together. A second lead of resistor R73046, the second lead of capacitor C8 3050, a first lead of resistor R23052, a first lead of resistor R1 3056, and the cathode lead of LED 3054are coupled together.

The second lead of resistor R4 3020, the cathode lead oftener diode ZD33022, the collector (C) lead of transistor Q2 3060, and the CW lead ofpotentiometer 3062 are coupled together. The second lead of resistor R33044, the emitter (E) lead of transistor Q2 3060, a first lead ofresistor R6 3064, a first lead of capacitor C10 3068, and a first leadof resistor R5 3068 are coupled together. The wiper arm lead ofpotentiometer 3062, the base (B) lead of transistor 3060, a second leadof resistor R6 3064, and a second lead of capacitor C10 3066 are coupledtogether. The CCW lead of potentiometer 3062 is coupled to a second leadof resistor R5 3068.

The anode lead of Zener diode ZD3 3022 is coupled to circuit ground3070. The − lead of capacitor C7 3048 is coupled to circuit ground 3070.The second lead of resistor R2 3052 is coupled to the second lead ofresistor R1 3056 and to circuit ground 3070.

Fuse F1 3006 protects the circuit, e.g., from excessive input currentwhich may damage the circuit. Metal varistor MVR1 3008 protects thecircuit from any voltage surge occurring across the input terminals(3002, 3004).

Diode Bridge (D1-D4) 3010 converts an input AC sine wave signal receivedacross its input terminals into AC full wave rectified output signalwhich is output across its output terminals.

Capacitors C1 3012, C2 3014, CS 3016, C4 3018, which are in parallelacross the output of the diode bridge (D1-D4) 3010, serves as a DCfilter and converts the AC full wave rectified signal into to DC.

Capacitor C5 3026 serves as a high frequency filter and is in parallelwith the DC filter.

Zener diode ZD1 3028 and resistor R8 3030 form an enable control circuitsupplying the voltage Vin−Vzd1 to enable the IC Q1 3032 to operate,e.g., when the voltage on the enable pin is at least 1.4 v. Thus IC Q13032 is enabled when the input voltage is on.

IC Q1 3032 is a current regulator. Inductor L1 3024, IC Q1 3032, diodeD5 3038, and diode D6 3036 form a boost converter circuit which allowsan output voltage, measured between the cathode leads of the D5/D6 pairand ground, to be higher than in input voltage, measured between thefirst lead of inductor L1 3024 and ground. In various embodiments,diodes D5 3038 and D6 3036 are Schottky diodes.

Capacitor C6 3034 and resistor R9 3040 form an RC snubber which reducesthe ringing on the output voltage during MOSFET switching which occurswithin the IC Q2 3032.

Resistor R4 3020 and Zener diode ZD3 3022 form a precise voltage supplyfor the dimming control circuit 3058, from the filtered DC voltage whichwas generated.

Dimming control circuit 3058 receives as an input voltage V_(ZD3), fromZener diode ZD3 which is used as an accurate reference voltage. Thedimming control circuit 3058 outputs an output voltage, which can beadjusted by changing the setting of the potentiometer 3062. By changingthe output voltage of dimming control circuit 3058 the voltage appliedon the feedback (FB) lead (5) of IC Q1 3032 from the dimming controlcircuit is changed. Different settings of the potentiometer 3062correspond to different voltages at the emitter lead of transistor Q23060, and different feedback voltage contributions at the feedback lead(5) of IC Q1 3032 from the dimming control circuit, based on the voltagedivider including resistors R1, R2, R7, and R3.

Zener diode ZD2 3042 is used for output voltage protection, e.g., itprevents the voltage across the LED 3054 from exceeding its Zenerbreakdown voltage of 43 volts.

Capacitors (C7 3048, C8 3050) are used for holding charge to supply thecurrent to the LED 3054.

Resistor R1 3056 in parallel with resistor R2 3052, serve as a currentsense resistor, and are used to convert the LED current to a voltagesense signal that is supplied back to the feedback (FE) pin 5 of IC Q13032 via resistor R7 3046 to regulate the current control through MOSFETswitching. Note that resistor R7 is >> than R1 in parallel with R2.

Note that in this exemplary design there are two sources of feedback toFB pin 5 of IC Q1 3032, a dimming control feedback signal based onpotentiometer 3062 setting and a current sense feedback signal based ona measurement of the current through LED 3054. Note that since thedimming control circuit 3058 controls dimming via the FB input of IC Q13032 the dimming is performed without wasting energy, e.g., dimming isnot performed using power dissipation in resistors.

FIG. 31 is a function block drawing of an exemplary IC 3100 inaccordance with an exemplary embodiment. Exemplary IC 3100 is, e.g., ICQ1 3032 of exemplary LED circuit 3000 of FIG. 30. IC 3100 is a fixedfrequency PWM Boost constant current driver including internal frequencycompensation and a fixed frequency oscillator. The PCM control circuitis able to adjust the duty ratio linearly from 0 to 90%, and has a 5 Aswitching current capability. IC 3100 includes voltage input pin (VIN)3102, a feedback pin (FB) 3104, an enable pin (EN) 3106, a power Switchoutput pin (SW) 3108, and a ground pin (GND) 3110. VIN pin 3102 is, e.g.VIN pin 4 of Q1 3032 of FIG. 30; FB pin 3104 is, e.g. FB pin 5 of Q13032 of FIG. 30; EN pin 3106 is, e.g. EN pin 2 of Q1 3032 of FIG. 30;and GND pin 3110 is, e.g. GND pin 1 of IC Q1 3032 of FIG. 30.

When the EN pin 3106 is driven to low the device 3100 is turned off;when the EN pin 3106 is driven to high the device 3100 is turned on. Thesupply voltage for IC 3100 is received on VIN pin 3102, and device 3100may operate on an input voltage, e.g., in accordance with the ICspecification. The feedback pin (FB) 3104 receives a feedback voltagesignal which is compared to a feedback threshold voltage of 0.22V. Powerswitch output pin (SW) 3108 is the output for device 3100.

IC 3100 includes a voltage regulator 3112, an operation amplifier withvoltage output EA 3114, a phase compensation circuit 3116, anundervoltage lockout (UVLO) 3118, a soft start circuit 3120, acomparator (COMP) 3122, a summer 3124, an oscillator 3126, anovervoltage protection (OVP) circuit 3128, a thermal shutdown protectioncircuit 3130, an RS latch 3132, an overcurrent protection (OCP)amplifier 3134, a driver 3136, a power NDMOS FET 3138, a current senseresistor 3140 and an IC ground 3142.

Regulator 3112 receives an input voltage from VIN 3102 and generates a2.5 v regulated voltage and a reference voltage of 0.22 v; the 0.22Vreference voltage is fed as input to the + terminal of operationalamplifier 3114. Operational amplifier 3114 receives a feedback controlvoltage on its − terminal, which is coupled to FB pin 3104. Operationalamplifier 3114 generates output voltage EA as a function of thedifference between the reference voltage on its input + terminal and thefeedback voltage on its input − terminal.

Undervoltage lockout (UVLO) 3118, which receives VIN from terminal 3102,monitors the input voltage VIN and prevents the IC 3100 from operatingto output current when the input voltage VIN is below a minimumacceptable value. Soft start circuit 3120 prevents a high in-rush ofcurrent during start up.

Oscillator 3126 is a 180 KHz oscillator circuit which outputs a sawtoothsignal to summer 3124 and a square wave signal to RS latch 3132. Asignal is generated by amplifier 3134 based on the current throughresistor 3140, and the generated signal is summed by summer 3134 withthe sawtooth signal from oscillator 3124. The output of the summer 3124is fed to the + input terminal of comparator 3122, which compares thesummer output signal to the output of amplifier 3114, which is receivedat the − input terminal of comparator 3122. The output of the comparator3122 is fed to the input of RS latch 3132. The output of RS latch 3132is the input to driver 3136 which controls the NDMOS 3138. Driver 3136drives the switching NDMOS 3138 based on the signal received from the RSlatch 3132.

Various protection circuits can shut down the output of the IC 3100.Overvoltage protection (OVP) circuit 3128 monitors the voltage on outputSW pin 3108 and protects the IC 3100 from excessive voltage on SWterminal 3108, controlling the IC 3100 output to shut down in responseto a detected overvoltage via a signal sent to RS latch 3132. Thermalshutdown circuit 3120 determines if an overheating condition isoccurring and controls the IC 3100 output to shutdown to prevent thermaldamage, via a signal sent to RS latch 3132. Overcurrent protectioncomparator 3134 determines if the output current through the NDMOStransistor 3138 and through sense resistor 3140 is excessive andcontrols the chip 3100 output to shut down, via a control signal sent toRS latch 3132, in response to a detected overcurrent condition, e.g., adetected voltage across current sense resistor 3140 exceeding anovercurrent threshold value.

In the example of FIG. 30, IC Q1 3032 is a XLSEMI XL6006 switchingconstant current driver. In some embodiments, IC Q1 3032 is replaced bya different current regulator including a feedback input. A differentcurrent regulator may have a different acceptable input voltage range, adifferent max boost output, a different feedback threshold value, adifferent switching frequency, and a different maximum current output.In various embodiments, a particular current regulator IC is selected tomatch the available expected input voltage range and desired maximumcurrent to be driven through the LED light.

FIG. 30A is a drawing 3051 illustrating circuit portions of the LEDcircuit 3000 of FIG. 30. LED circuit 3000 includes an input AC voltageinterface 3053, input overvoltage and overcurrent protection devices3055, e.g., a fuse and a varistor, a full wave rectifier circuit 3057,e.g., a 4 diode bridge circuit, input filtering 3059 including a DCfilter 3061, e.g., an electrolytic capacitor bank, and a high frequencyfilter 3063, e.g., a capacitor for filtering out high frequency signals,an IC enable circuit 3065, a dimmer control voltage supply 3067, e.g., aZener diode based voltage supply circuit, a DC/DC converter circuit3069, e.g., a boost converter circuit including an inductor, a currentregulator, e.g., a PWM boost constant current driver IC, and diodescoupled together, an RC snubber circuit 3071, an output overvoltageprotection circuit 3073, e.g., a Zener diode, a charge holding circuit3075, e.g., capacitors, an LED light source 3077, i.e. a light emittingsemiconductor diode, a feedback resistor network 3079 includingresistors used for LED current sensing and resistors used in a dimmingvoltage divider, and a dimming control circuit 3081 including apotentiometer and a transistor.

FIG. 30B is a drawing 3083 illustrating circuit portions shown in FIG.30A overlayed on the LED circuit of FIG. 30 so as it identify elementsincluded in each of the circuit portions for one exemplary embodiment.The AC voltage interface 3053 includes a pair of AC voltage inputterminals (3002, 3004) for receiving an AC signal, e.g., a 12 VAC signalused to power the LED circuit 3000. Input and overvoltage protectiondevices 3055 includes fuse F1 3006 to protect the circuit 3000 fromexcessive input current and a metal varistor MVR1 3008 to protect thecircuit 3000 from an input voltage surge. Full wave rectifier circuit3057 includes a four diode (D1, D2, D3, D4) bridge 3010 used to convertthe received input sine wave to a full wave rectified signal. DC filter3061 includes 4 electrolytic capacitors (C1 3012, C2 3014, C3 3016, C43108) used to convert the full wave rectified signal to DC. Highfrequency filter 3063 includes capacitor C5 to perform high frequencyfiltering. IC enable circuit 3065 includes Zener diode ZD1 3028 andresistor R8 3030 and supplies the voltage (VIN−VZD1) to the EN pin of ICQ1 3032 to enable the IC to operate. Dimmer control voltage supply 3067includes resistor R4 3020 and Zener diode ZD3 3022, which form a voltagesupply for the dimming control circuit 3058. Boost converter circuit3069 includes inductor L1 3024, PWM boost constant current driver IC3032, and diode pair (D5 3038, D6 3036), which allows the output voltageto be greater than an input voltage. RC snubber circuit 3071 includesresistor R9 3040 in series with capacitor C6 3034, and reduces ringingduring the MOSFET switching within IC 3032. Output overprotectioncircuit 3073 includes Zener diode ZD2 3042 for output voltageprotection, e.g., the output voltage cannot exceed the Zener breakdownvoltage of 43 volts thus protecting the LED 3054 for damage due toovervoltage. In some embodiments, the output overvoltage protectioncircuit 3073 is external to the DC/DC converter circuit 3069. In somesuch embodiments, the overvoltage protection value selected for theovervoltage protection circuit 3073 is below the overvoltage protectionvalue of the current regulator 3032 of the DC/DC converter 3069. Chargeholding circuit 3075 includes capacitors C7 3048 and C8 3050, which areused for holding charge to supply the current to the LED 3054. Feedbackresistor network 3079 includes resistors R1 3056, R2 3052, R7 3046, andR3 3044. Resistors R1 and R2 are low value resistors, connected togetherin parallel, and the parallel combination is connected in series betweenthe LED 3054 and ground 3070.

The current through the parallel resistor pair (R1 in parallel with R2)is substantially the same current going through the LED, and the currentproduces a voltage across the resistor pair (R1 in parallel with R2)which can be used to indicate the LED current. Thus R1 in parallel withR2 is an equivalent current sense resistor for the LED, and the voltageacross the sense resistor is fed back to feedback FB pin 5 of IC 3032via resister R7. Note that resister R3 is 27K, while R3 is 1K resultingin the feedback voltage contribution due to current sensing whichreaches FB pin 5 of IC 3032 is substantially the same as the measuredvalue across the equivalent sense resistor (R1 in parallel with R2).

The feedback due to the dimming control circuit produces a secondfeedback voltage contribution at the FB pin 5 of IC 3032. The setting ofthe potentiometer 3062 determines the voltage at the Emitter of Q2 3060.A fraction of the emitter voltage of Q2 3060 is a feedback contributioninput at pin 5 of IC 3032 based on the voltage divider including R3, R7and R1 in parallel with R2. The fraction is approximately 0.036. With adimming control voltage supply of 6.2v, and a feedback setpoint in IC Q1of 0.22 v, the dimming can drive the LED to off or a near off condition.

The two feedback voltage contributions (one from the current sensing andone from the dimming control) are combined at FB pin 5 of IC 3032. Thecontribution of voltage feedback from the dimming circuit has the effectof lowering the current through the LED and causing dimming.

FIG. 30C is a drawing 3084 which illustrates the two sources of feedbackwhich are used to control the IC 3032 of LED circuit 3000. A firstfeedback source will now be discussed. The current I_(LED) 3085 throughLED 3054 flows through the sense resistor pair of R1 3056 in parallelwith R2 3052, producing voltage V_(S) 3087. The value of resistorR3>>the value of (resistor R1 in parallel with resistor R2), and thevalue of resistor R3 is 27× the value of Resistor R7; therefore thefeedback component voltage V_(FB1) is approximately the value of V_(S)3087.

A second feedback source will now be discussed. Dimming control circuitsupply voltage V_(ZD3) 3089, e.g., 6.2 VDC, is received as an input tothe dimming control circuit 3058. The dimming control circuit 3058outputs voltage V_(E) 3091, which is less than V_(ZD3) and which is afunction of the setting of the potentiometer 3062. A second feedbackcomponent voltage V_(FB2) is a fraction of V_(E), and the fraction isapproximately the value of R7/(the value of R7+the value of R3). In thisexample, V_(FB2)=(1/28)V_(E). Higher voltages of V_(E) result in higherfeedback voltages VF_(B2), and more dimming.

The feedback value seen at FB pin 5 of IC 3032 is V_(FB) 3093, whereV_(FB)=V_(FB1)+V_(FB2). Since the feedback threshold voltage in IC Q13032 is set at a fixed value of 0.22v, increased feedback voltage due tothe dimmer circuit will result in a lower LED current level and a lowerfeedback voltage contribution from the current sense source.

The exemplary LED circuit 3000 of FIG. 30 is shown for an exemplaryembodiment in which the input power is within the range of 9 VAC to 15VAC. In other embodiments, different component values may be selected toaccommodate different acceptable input voltage ranges. In someembodiments, the components are selected such that the minimumacceptable input voltage is 3 VAC or 3 VDC. In some other embodiments,the components are selected such that the maximum acceptable inputvoltage is 24 VAC or 24 VDC.

Circuit 3000 may also be operated with a DC input voltage sourcereplacing the AC input voltage source, e.g., circuit 3000 may beoperated on DC power, e.g., battery power, where AC power is notavailable, where the implementation includes a DC power source, or wherethe AC power fails and a backup DC power source is available to beswitched in to replace the AC power source.

FIG. 30D illustrates drawing 3094 which illustrates that exemplary LEDcircuit 3000 includes a control circuit 3001 configured to control LEDlight source 3054.

Table 1 3095 of FIG. 30E illustrates exemplary components used in theexemplary LED circuit 3000 shown in FIG. 30.

Table 2 3097 of FIG. 30F illustrates exemplary components for anotherexemplary embodiment, which is a variation of the LED circuit of FIG.30. In this exemplary embodiment, capacitor C4 3018 is omitted, resistorR2 3052 is omitted, and capacitor C8 3050 is omitted.

FIG. 30G is a drawing illustrating an exemplary LED circuit 3099, inaccordance with an exemplary embodiment, which may use the componentslisted in Table 2 of FIG. 30F. Note that components C4, C8, R10 and R11are designated on the drawing as N/A, which implies that a slot for thecomponent exists on the circuit board however the component slot is notpopulated.

In the example of FIG. 30G one resistor R1 is used for the currentdetector, while in the example of FIG. 30, two resistors in parallel (R1in parallel with R2) are used for the current detector. In someembodiments, three resistors are populated and used in parallel for thecurrent detector.

In various embodiments, the values of the sense resistor, e.g., R1 3056,or the sense resistor pair, e.g., R1/R2 (3056/3052), are selected tomatch the desired LED current with no dimming such that the feedbackvoltage from the current sensing is matched to the FB voltage thresholdof the current regulator, e.g., IC 3032.

In some embodiments, the dimming control circuit, e.g., circuit 3058,provides a small feedback contribution to the feedback pin of thecurrent regulator, e.g., pin 5 of IC Q1 3032, under the no dimmingcondition. In some such embodiments, the value of the resistance for thecurrent detector, e.g., sense resistor pair (R1 in parallel with R2) isselected in the design to take into account that the current sensedetector voltage contribution under a no dimming condition will beslightly below the feedback threshold voltage of the current regulator.In some such embodiments, this results in a slightly lower value for thecurrent sense resistor than would be the case if the dimming controlcircuit provided 0 voltage feedback contribution at the currentregulator feedback input under a no dimming condition. This lower senseresistor value has the added benefit of less energy wastage, e.g., lessenergy dissipation in the sense resistor for the same current goingthrough the LED diode.

The LED circuit 3000 of FIG. 30 and LED circuit 3099 of FIG. 30G havebeen illustrated for exemplary embodiments using a DC/DC converter whichis a boost converter. In some other embodiments, the DC/DC converterimplemented in the LED circuit 3000 and/or LED circuit 3099 of FIG. 30Guses a different DC/DC converter topology. For example, the boostconverter is replaced with one of a: SEPIC converter, a synchronousBuck-Boost Converter, a synchronous boost converter, a flybackconverter, or an inverter converter. In some such embodiments, atransformer is included in the circuit.

An exemplary control apparatus for controlling current to an LED lightsource, e.g., LED 3054, in a landscape lighting device, in accordancewith some embodiments, comprises: a user selectable control (knob),e.g., knob 548; and a control circuit, e.g., control circuit 3001,configured to control the LED light source, e.g., LED 3054, to outputlight in an amount depending on a user selectable setting on the userselectable control, said control circuit, e.g., circuit 3001, including:i) a current regulator, e.g., IC Q1 3032, for controlling the amount ofcurrent passing through the LED light source, e.g., LED 3054; and ii) adimming control circuit, e.g., dimming control circuit 3058.

In some such embodiments, said control circuit, e.g., circuit 3001, isan LED driver circuit for generating and controlling the flow of currentthrough said LED light source, e.g., LED 3054. In some such embodiments,said control circuit, e.g., circuit 3001, includes a current detector,e.g., R1 3056 in parallel R2 3052, for producing a sense signal, e.g.,V_(S) 3087 proportional to the amplitude of said controlled current,e.g., I_(LED) 3085, passing through said LED light source.

In some embodiments, said current detector, e.g., R1 3056 in parallelwith R2 3052, includes a current sense resistor, e.g., R1 3056, throughwhich at least a portion of the current passing through said LED lightsource also passes. In some such embodiments, said sense signal is avoltage signal.

In various embodiments, said dimming control circuit, e.g., circuit3058, is configured to produce a signal in an amount depending on theuser selectable setting of the user selectable control. In someembodiments, said dimming control circuit, e.g., circuit 3058, includes:a transistor, e.g., Q2 3060, for producing an output signal, e.g., V_(E)3091; and a potentiometer, e.g., potentiometer 3062, electricallycoupled to said transistor, e.g., Q2 3060, for controlling the amount ofsignal which the transistor will output, said potentiometer, e.g.,potentiometer 3062, including a movable portion, e.g., movable, portion555A, said movable portion being connected to said user selectablecontrol, e.g., knob 548, said movable portion changing resistance in aportion of said dimming control circuit, e.g., circuit 3058, when moved.In some embodiments, said control circuit, e.g., circuit 3001, includesa feedback network, e.g., network 3079, and wherein said feedbacknetwork includes said current detector, e.g., R1 3056 in parallel withR2 3052.

In some embodiments, said feedback network, e.g., resistor network 3079,couples said dimming circuit, e.g., circuit 3058, to said currentregulator, e.g., IC Q1 3032. In some embodiments, said feedback network,e.g., network 3079, includes a resistor, e.g., R7 3046, for couplingsaid current detector, e.g. the circuit of R1 3056 in parallel with R23052, to said current regulator, e.g., IC Q1 3032. In variousembodiments, said feedback network, e.g., network 3079, includes avoltage divider, e.g., voltage divider with ratio of(R7+(R1*R2)/(R1+R2))/(R3+R7+(R1*R2)/(R1+R2)), which is approximatelyR7/(R7+R3). In some embodiments, said feedback network, e.g., network3079, is configured to provide a feedback signal, e.g., V_(F) 3093 tosaid current regulator, e.g., IC Q1 3032, said feedback signal, e.g.,V_(FB), being generated from said sense signal, e.g., V_(S), and adimming control output signal, e.g., V_(E). For example,V_(FB)=V_(FB1)+V_(FB2), where V_(FB1) is approximately V_(S) and V_(FB2)is approximately (R7/(R7+R3))*V_(E). In some embodiments, saidtransistor output signal is a voltage signal, and said dimming outputsignal is a voltage signal based on said transistor output signal. Insome embodiments, said feedback network is a resistor network and saidfeedback signal is a voltage signal.

In various embodiments, said current regulator, IC Q1 3032, isconfigured to compare a voltage reference signal, e.g., 0.22v, to saidfeedback signal, e.g., V_(FB), and based on difference to adjust theamount of current passing through the LED light source, e.g., LED 3054.In some such embodiments, said current regulator, e.g., IC Q1 3032, is apulse width modulation boost current circuit, XLSEMI XL6006 chip.

In some embodiments, said control circuit, e.g., control circuit 3001,includes a DC to DC converter circuit, e.g., circuit 3069, said DC to DCconverter circuit, e.g., circuit 3069, including said current regulator,e.g., IC Q1 3032. In some such embodiments, said DC to DC convertercircuit, e.g., circuit 3069, further includes an inductor, e.g., L13024, and at least one diode, e.g., diode D5 3038. In some embodiments,said DC to DC converter circuit, e.g., circuit 3069 includes at leasttwo diodes in parallel, e.g., diode D5 3038 in parallel with diode D63036.

In various embodiments, said DC to DC converter circuit, e.g., circuit3069 is one of a single-ended primary-inductor converter (SEPIC)converter, a step-up or boost converter, a synchronous step-up or boostconverter, a flyback converter, a buck-boost converter, or a synchronousbuck-boost converter.

In some embodiments, said control circuit, e.g., control circuit 3001,includes an over voltage protection circuit, e.g., circuit 3073, coupledto said DC to DC converter, e.g., circuit 3069, for protecting the LEDlight source, e.g., LED 3054, from an over voltage condition. In somesuch embodiments, said overvoltage protection circuit, e.g., circuit3073, includes a Zener diode, e.g., Z_(D2) 3042, for limiting saidvoltage applied to said LED light source, e.g., LED 3054, to a voltagevalue, e.g., 43V, below a value at which said LED light source, e.g.,LED 3054, would be damaged.

In various embodiments, said control apparatus is configured to operateover 9V to 15 V AC or DC voltage range. In some embodiments, the controlapparatus is configured to operate at a minimum input voltage of 3V ACor DC. In some embodiments, the control apparatus is configured tooperate at a maximum input voltage of 24V AC or DC. It should beappreciated that the components and/or component values to be used inthe control circuit are selected to be matched to a particular desiredoperating range and/or a particular LED light source.

In some embodiments, the control apparatus includes a Zener diodevoltage regulator circuit, e.g., circuit 3067, for providing power tosaid dimming control circuit, e.g., circuit 3058.

In some embodiments, said landscape lighting device is one of aspotlight, a landscape light or an inground light.

In some embodiments, said user selectable control is a dimming controlknob, e.g., knob 548, in contact with a movable portion, e.g., movableportion 555A, of said potentiometer, e.g., potentiometer 3062, saidmovable portion changing resistance of a portion of a dimming controlcircuit, e.g., circuit 3058, when moved.

In some embodiments, said control knob, e.g., knob 548, includes asetting indicator which moves with said knob, e.g., knob 548, and whichwhen rotated to be aligned with a power or illumination level indicatoron a housing in which said control circuit is housed sets the controlcircuit to operate at the wattage or illumination level to which thesetting indicator is aligned. In some embodiments, the electricalcircuits are defined such that the user selectable control has settingswith light outputs comparable to the light output of 10 W, 25 W, 35 W,50 W and 75 W MR16 halogen lights.

Some features are directed to a control apparatus for controllingcurrent to an LED light source in a landscape lighting device. In oneembodiment the control apparatus includes an LED driver (554); a usercontrol (548) with a control setting indicator (3302); and a driverhousing (540) including setting indicators (594, 598), alignment of thecontrol setting indicator on the user control (548) with one of thesetting indicators (594, 598) indicating which of a plurality of userselectable settings the LED driver (554) is set. In some embodiments theLED driver (554) includes a control circuit (3000) configured to controlan LED light source to output light in an amount depending on a userselectable setting on the user selectable control, with the controlcircuit (3000) including, i) a current regulator which is part of aboost or other module 3069 for controlling the amount of current passingthrough the LED light source; and ii) a dimming control circuit (3081)including a potentiometer (3062). In some embodiment the user control(548) is a dimming control knob (548) that is in contact with a movableportion of the potentiometer (3062). Moving, e.g., rotating, the movableportion of the potentiometer (3062) changes resistance in a portion ofthe dimming control circuit (3081). In some implementations the driverhousing (540) includes visible wattage markings (596, 599) adjacentcorresponding setting indicators (594, 598). In some but not allembodiments driver housing (540) further includes one or more visibleapparent power markings, e.g., marking (608), in close proximity to acorresponding wattage marking (599) with the markings being adjacent thesetting indicator, e.g., dimple, (598) to which the apparent powermarking (608) and associated wattage marking (599) correspond. Insteadof, or in addition to, the wattage and/or apparent power markings, thedriver housing (540) may and sometimes does include visible MR16equivalent wattage markings. For example, marking (620) is shown in FIG.6D in close proximity to the wattage marking (599) and adjacent thesetting indicator (598) to which the apparent power marking (608) andassociated wattage marking (599) correspond. In at least someembodiments a user can select between marked settings with light outputscomparable to the light output of 10 W, 25 W, 35 W, 50 W and 75 W MR16halogen lights by rotating the user control to align the control settingindicator (302) with the one of the setting indicators on the driverhousing (540) corresponding to a desired MR16 equivalent wattage. Thecontrol circuit can, in some embodiments, operate on either a 12V AC ora 12V DC input. The 12V AC or 12V DC input can be from a magnetictransformer or an electronic transformer.

In some embodiments the control knob (548) includes a shaft (549) withthe shall being in contact with the movable portion of the potentiometerof the control circuit. A seal (546) such as that shown in FIG. 35, insome embodiments, surrounds a portion of said shaft (549) where saidshaft enters the driver housing (540) with the seal protecting thedriver housing (540) against water and dirt entry while still allowingthe shaft (549) to rotate. The peal (546), in the embodiment shown inFIG. 35, includes a flat collar in contact with a rear portion of saidcontrol knob (548) and a tapered shaft portion which surrounds a portionof said shaft (549). In some but not necessarily all embodiment the seal(546) is made of a flexible silicone material. In the embodiment shownin FIG. 35 the shaft (549) includes a ridge (549A) for engaging a slotin the movable portion of the potentiometer (3062).

In some embodiments such as the one shown in FIG. 6C, the driver housing(540) includes a stop (574) positioned to engage a stop 3509 on thecontrol knob (548) to prevent said control knob (548) from rotating themovable portion of the potentiometer (3062) beyond the range of userselectable settings.

Numerous additional variations on the methods and apparatus of thevarious embodiments described above will be apparent to those skilled inthe art in view of the above description. Such variations are to beconsidered within the scope. Numerous additional embodiments, within thescope of the present invention, will be apparent to those of ordinaryskill in the art in view of the above description and the claims whichfollow. Such variations are to be considered within the scope of theinvention.

What is claimed is:
 1. Apparatus comprising: a landscape lighting devicethat includes: a circuit that: is disposed, on a circuit board, inside adriver housing defining a central axis; and includes a rotatable circuitcomponent that is configured to cause the circuit to change a lightoutput of a fixture from one light output level to another; and acontrol indicator that is: disposed outside the driver housing; andconfigured to point to indicants disposed on an external surface of thedriver housing, each indicant corresponding to one of the light outputlevels; a shaft that: is linked to the rotatable circuit component; andbears the control indicator; and a support extending upward from thedriver housing along the central axis; wherein: the central axis isvertical when the fixture is in operation; and, in operation, alignmentof the control indicator with one of the indicants indicates to whichlight output level the fixture is set.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1wherein the rotatable circuit component is a potentiometer.
 3. Theapparatus of claim 1 wherein the indicants include a wattage marking. 4.The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the indicants include a visiblenumeral.
 5. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the circuit operates oneither a 12V AC or a 12V DC input.
 6. The apparatus of claim 5 whereinthe 12V AC or 12V DC input is configured to be sourced from a magnetictransformer.
 7. The apparatus of claim 5 wherein the 12V AC or 12V DCinput is configured to be sourced from an electric transformer.
 8. Theapparatus of claim 1 further comprising a seal defining a hole; wherein:the seal prevents entry of dirt and water into a cavity; that is definedby the driver housing; and in which the circuit is disposed; and theshaft extends through the hole.
 9. The apparatus of claim 8 wherein: theshaft supports a control knob; and the seal includes: a flat collar incontact with a rear portion of the control knob; and a tapered shaftportion which surrounds a portion of the shaft.
 10. The apparatus ofclaim 1 further comprising a seal that: defines a hole; and is inphysical contact with the driver housing.
 11. The apparatus of claim 10wherein the seal includes flexible silicone.
 12. The apparatus of claim1 wherein: the shaft includes a ridge; the rotatable circuit componentdefines a slot; and the ridge is configured to engage the slot.
 13. Theapparatus of claim 1 further comprising a stop tab that is configured toprevent the shaft from rotating past a fixed position.
 14. The apparatusof claim 13 wherein the tab is fixed to the shaft.
 15. The apparatus ofclaim 13 further comprising a hard stop that is configured to interferewith movement of the tab when the shaft reaches the position.
 16. Theapparatus of claim 15 wherein the hard stop is disposed at a positionthat is fixed relative to the driver housing.
 17. The apparatus of claim1 further comprising: a first ring of teeth; a second ring of teeth thatis configured to interlock with the first ring of teeth; and a wire;wherein: the first and second rings of teeth are configured to fix adirection of a beam emitted by the fixture; and the wire: is configuredto provide power to an LED light source; and passes through both rings.18. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the control indicator is includedon a rotatable knob.
 19. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the shaftcontrols rotation of the rotatable circuit component, the rotatablecircuit component changing resistance of a portion of the circuit whenthe rotatable circuit component is moved.
 20. The apparatus of claim 1wherein the housing includes the support.